Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Police in Patong, Phuket, are hunting for a gunman after an Iraqi national was shot multiple times in a brazen daylight attack and later died from his injuries. The shooting occurred on 7 February, causing alarm in a busy tourist area and prompting an urgent police investigation. Officers sealed off the scene, collected forensic evidence and begun reviewing CCTV footage to track down the suspect.

The incident was reported at 5.50pm on 7 February to Patong Police Station by Pol Lt Thanathorn Mejeena, Deputy Investigation Officer. The shooting took place opposite the C&N Hotel on Sirirat Road in Patong sub-district, Kathu district, Phuket province. Pol Col Korrakrit Khankhrua, Superintendent of Patong Police Station, led officers and investigators to the scene after receiving the report.

By the time police arrived, the victim had already been rushed to Patong Hospital, where he later died. Officers found spent bullet casings and bloodstains at the scene, which were secured for forensic examination. Crime scene investigators were called in to collect and document evidence in detail.

The victim was identified as Mr Ameer Mundher Mamood Mahmood, a 24-year-old Iraqi national. According to preliminary investigations, he had been wiping down a motorcycle outside the hotel when an unidentified man approached. The suspect, wearing a helmet, opened fire with a handgun of unknown make and model, shooting the victim several times before fleeing the area.

CCTV footage reviewed by police shows the suspect arriving at about 5.47pm on a black-and-red Honda Click motorcycle. He was wearing a black helmet, a black T-shirt, blue jeans and trainers. Investigators are expanding their review of cameras in surrounding streets to trace the suspect’s escape route.

Daily News reported that police have recorded the incident in the station log as formal evidence and are continuing efforts to identify and arrest the gunman. The motive for the killing remains unclear. Authorities will also coordinate with the Iraqi embassy to inform the victim’s family and assist with related procedures.

Key Takeaways

• An Iraqi national was shot multiple times in Patong, Phuket, and died later in hospital on 7 February.

• Police are analysing CCTV footage showing a helmeted suspect fleeing on a Honda Click motorcycle.

• Investigators are pursuing forensic evidence and liaising with the Iraqi embassy to notify the victim’s family.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-02-08

 

 

UPDATE

Colombian Suspect Arrested Over Iraqi National Killing in Patong

Picture courtesy of Workpoint

Police in Phuket have arrested a Colombian national accused of fatally shooting a 24-year-old Iraqi national in Patong, confirming the suspect was taken into custody hours before his scheduled departure from Thailand. The killing has heightened concerns over violent crime involving foreign nationals in major tourist areas. Authorities say the suspect now faces multiple serious criminal charges.

The incident occurred on the evening of 7 February 2026 in Patong, Phuket province. The Iraqi victim was shot several times while standing near his motorcycle and later died from his injuries at hospital. The attack prompted an immediate police investigation and a large-scale manhunt.

According to investigators, the gunman arrived on a motorcycle wearing a helmet, approached the victim, opened fire and fled the scene at speed. Police reviewed CCTV footage from the surrounding area to trace the suspect’s movements and identify his escape route. The case was treated as a priority due to the severity of the crime and its location in a busy tourist district.

Police later identified the suspect as Mr Fernando Estaid Guevara Sanchez, aged 39, a Colombian national. Immigration records showed he entered Phuket on 19 January 2026 and was scheduled to leave Thailand on 8 February 2026 at 08.40am on Qatar Airways flight QR843. Officers were immediately deployed to Phuket International Airport and nearby areas.

At approximately 2.40am on 8 February 2026, police located the suspect at a hotel near Phuket International Airport. Officers from Provincial Police Region 8, Phuket Provincial Police, Phuket Tourist Police, Phuket Immigration, and Patong Police executed an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court, numbered 148/2569 and dated 8 February 2026. The suspect acknowledged the warrant, confirmed his identity and was taken into custody.

Police have charged Mr Sanchez with murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and carrying a firearm in a public place without reasonable cause. Investigators are currently coordinating with an interpreter before conducting a detailed interrogation. Additional evidence is being gathered to support the prosecution.

Workpoint reported that authorities have also informed the relevant embassy and are proceeding according to established legal protocols. Initial reports suggest the suspect may have been hired from overseas, with a possible personal conflict involved. Police believe the firearm was sourced from a Thai individual in central Thailand, though inquiries are ongoing.

Key Takeaways

• A Colombian national has been arrested for the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old Iraqi tourist in Patong, Phuket.

• The suspect was detained near Phuket airport hours before a scheduled international departure.

• Police have filed multiple serious charges and are continuing investigations into motives and weapon sourcing.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Workpointnews 2026-02-08

 

 

18 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Mr Ameer Mundher Mamood Mahmood, a 24-year-old Iraqi national.

According to Swedish news media he lived in Sweden, and is a part of a criminal Swedish network with links all over Europe.

Looks like a professional hit, but the professional floundered by not heading directly to the airport.

15 hours ago, Priorexpat said:

Looks like a professional hit, but the professional floundered by not heading directly to the airport.

Amazing police work as happened on the 7th and arrested about 9 hours later and due to fly 8.40am on the 8th so nearly got away.