Phuket Breaking News: Karaoke owner gunned down in Karon

PHUKET: A karaoke owner in Karon was shot at close range by gunmen this morning after a night of drinking on Phuket’s west coast, the island’s primary destination for tourists.

Sompong Saenim was drinking with five men at his karaoke bar and restaurant on Patak Road when at about 7:30am two of the group pulled out guns and fired about three shots, Karon Subdistrict Chief (Kamnan) Winai Chichiew told the Phuket Gazette.

The victim was shot once in the shoulder and once in the rear end, and is in “safe” condition at Vachira Phuket Hospital, Kamnan Winai said.

He is at the moment undergoing surgery to remove the bullets.

Two of the suspects were arrested about three hours ago when family members of the victim tracked the two men to a house in Chalong.

The men are being questioned at Chalong Police Station.

The other three suspects remain at large.

Police have not released names of the suspects as the investigation is in its initial stages, Kamnan Winai said.

The Kon Lar Fun Karaoke and Restaurant, where the shooting occurred, is located on Patak Road in the popular tourist area between Kata Beach and Karon Circle.

The Gazette will post more information as it becomes available.

— Atchaa Khamlo