UPDATE: Taxi driver shot dead in Patong

A taxi driver was shot and killed in Patong this morning, apparently over an ongoing dispute at a taxi rank they worked at together.

Patong police headed to the scene at 10.20am on Phra Metta Road (aka. Phang Muang Sai Kor Road) in Patong (third road back from the beach). The incident occurred at a make-shift taxi stand between The Marina and the Three by APK Hotel, heading south on Sai Kor Road on the left hand side. (Map below)

CCTV of the shooting here…

The suspect in the shooting is 48 year old Paradorn Puchaiyan. He is currently at large and wanted by police. Police have already visited the man’s home but only his wife was there at the time and told police she was unaware of the incident.

An injured 46 year old Songpon Suwansa-ard was taken to the Patong Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Emergency responders tried to to revive him at the scene before rushing him to hospital.

PHOTO: Newshawk Phuket

Witnesses say the two men have been arguing for a ‘long time’. The two had worked at the same taxi stand for many years and knew each other well.

Speaking to police, witnesses claim that today, in the heat of an argument and feeling unable fight Khun Songpon, Paradorn rushed back to his home and returned with a gun. He fired three to four shots into Songpon at close range. Nearby tourists watched in horror and confusion as people rushed into help the dying man.

Police are still searching for the suspect and continuing their investigation.