Man shoots colleague in Si Racha restaurant after argument

A shocking incident unfolded yesterday evening in a restaurant in the Thung Sukhla area of Si Racha, Chon Buri, as a factory worker shot his senior colleague amidst a heated argument. Police later apprehended the suspect at his girlfriend’s house.

CCTV footage captured the dramatic turn of events where approximately five colleagues, including the suspect, Phrommongkol, were drinking beer at a restaurant in Si Racha. Tensions escalated between Phrommongkol and the victim, Pornchai, leading to a verbal altercation.

Initially, Phrommongkol left the restaurant on his motorcycle around 6pm, yesterday, November 24, but returned approximately 40 minutes later, rejoining the group for drinks.

The situation deteriorated as another argument erupted. In a fit of rage, Phrommongkol drew a firearm from his waist and shot Pornchai once. He then fled the scene on his motorcycle. Local police were alerted to the shooting at 7.30pm, with officers from Laem Chabang Police Station and emergency response teams quickly arriving at the scene.

Despite medical efforts at Vibharam Hospital, Pornchai succumbed to his injuries. The tragic event prompted Police Colonel Papanpat to instruct his investigative team to examine CCTV footage and track the suspect’s escape route.

The footage revealed Phrommongkol heading towards Bang Lamung, prompting an immediate manhunt by local law enforcement.

By 1am today, police successfully tracked 28 year old Phrommongkol at a residence in Bang Lamung. They seized a homemade blank gun, .380 ACP ammunition, a blue t-shirt, and a pair of black sandals.

During police interrogation, Phrommongkol confessed to the shooting, recounting that the victim’s derogatory remarks, questioning respect and threatening violence provoked his anger.

“I planned to scare him initially but he wouldn’t stop talking, so I lost control and shot him.”

Phrommongkol admitted to discarding the weapon in a local pond before returning home, only to be apprehended by police shortly thereafter. He cooperated with police, leading them to the location where he disposed of the firearm.

Pol. Col. Papanpat emphasised the swift response to the incident and the coordinated efforts to capture the suspect. Police were able to determine Phrommongkol’s hideout at his girlfriend’s residence through diligent investigation and surveillance.

The suspect confessed to all charges, including premeditated murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a firearm in public without justifiable cause, and discharging a firearm in a public area. Phrommongkol is currently in police custody, awaiting further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.