Phuket shooting: Russian restauranteur targeted in daylight attack

The idyllic streets of Phuket were rocked today by a brutal act of violence as a man, believed to be a Russian restaurant owner, was shot inside his car outside a cafe. The incident unfolded in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through the peaceful neighbourhood.

Police rushed to the scene on Boat Avenue in Cherng Talay, where they discovered a blue ORA sedan, bearing Phuket registration No. 9492, parked in front of a local shop. On examining the vehicle, officers discovered four bullet holes in the windscreen.

Inside the car, officers found the wounded victim, a 44 year old Russian, whose name remains undisclosed. He suffered gunshot wounds to the chest, torso, and upper arm, prompting his immediate transport to Thalang Hospital. It has been revealed that the injured man was a frequent patron of the café, KhaoSod reported.

Eyewitness accounts shed light on the assailant’s swift and calculated actions. Described as another foreigner, the gunman arrived at the scene riding a Honda PCX motorcycle, his face obscured by a helmet. After patiently waiting, he strode toward the car, brandishing a gun, and shot the Russian victim four times, before fleeing from the scene.

Later, an officer discovered a jet jacket, shoes, goggles, gloves, and a weapon by a nearby river, approximately 1 kilometre from the crime scene.

Police transferred the Russian victim to a hospital where it is believed he is alive but in a coma. Officers are now exploring possible escape routes in their pursuit to bring the perpetrator to justice.

In an unrelated incident earlier this month, Phuket experienced yet another bizarre event when two foreigners attempted to pilfer cannabis from a local pharmacy.

Their audacious act was captured by security cameras, as one individual engaged the seller in conversation, while his accomplice surreptitiously stashed stolen products in his shoulder bag. However, their ill-fated plan was foiled when the thief clumsily dropped the merchandise, alerting the pharmacy staff to the crime. The stolen goods were promptly returned, and no charges were pressed against the culprits. Read more about the story HERE.