Doctor gunned down in Phuket Town

PHUKET TOWN: A well known doctor was gunned down in a drive-by killing outside his own clinic in Phuket Town today.

Police found the body of Dr Somchai Wongbunterng, 47, on the sidewalk outside Somchai International Clinic on Wichit Songkhram Road in Phuket Town around midday.

He had been shot in the head.

Phuket City Police Deputy Commander Komol Wattraporn and Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers were first on the scene, close to the intersection with Patiphat Road.

Jack Mai, a Burmese employee who witnessed the killing, said he and Dr Somchai had just left the office for lunch when two men pulled up in a car.

One of the men shot Dr Somchai twice in the left temple.

The man also shot at Mr Jack but missed, and the suspects drove off.

At the scene police found a 9mm bullet close to the body.

Police think the motive may be connected with drugs, but the case is still under investigation.

— Sitthipong Nongkaew