Gangster linked to Phuket murder shot in South

NAKHON SRI THAMMARAT: A man described by police as a notorious gangster was in critical condition on Tuesday night after a drive-by shooting at his house that left one dead and five injured.

Police say the man may be wanted in connection with a murder carried out in Phuket.

Lt Col Chaiyan Bundit, Inspector for Investigation at Pakphanang Police Station, told the Gazette that a pickup carrying at least three men passed the home of 36-year-old Purachet “Chuab Paknang” Sukkong about 7 pm.

Chuab and his friends had formed a wong lao (“whiskey circle”) in front of the house. Although Chuab is believed to have been intended for murder, his assailants sprayed the entire group with bullets from an M-16 and AK-47 assault rifles, Col Chaiyan said.

Samart Kongchouy, 49, died on the way to Pakpanang Hospital.

Chuab, Wasan Pantaen, 27, and Santi Boonchan, 24, were injured. Another man was treated and released before police could learn his name.

“Chuab is out of the ICU already, so I believe we will be able to question him and the others within three days,” Col Chaiyan said.

“Unfortunately, witnesses were unable to identify the make or license number of the vehicle used in the attack. All we know is that it was a light-colored, extended-cab pickup with at least three people inside. They fired until their magazines were empty, then drove away,” he said.

“We believe the gunmen who shot Chuab are gangsters, but we are not sure from where. Chuab has many enemies,” said Col Chaiyan.

Born in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Chuab is suspected of arranging several assassinations, he said.

“I have heard that he never carried them out himself, but employed others. The police never had enough evidence to charge him, nor can we do so now because he is the victim in this case,” he added.

Chuab apparently worked in gambling rackets in Nahhon Sri Thammarat, Col Chaiyan said, but also had allegedly employed a gunman to kill someone in Phuket. However, the identity of the Phuket target was not revealed.

Chuab also has “many wives” and children, he added.

“As for this case, we have heard that he put out a contract on someone, but then the intended victim found out about it. We have yet to begin a proper investigation, as we have to wait for Chuab to regain consciousness before we can question him,” he added.