Frenchman Critically Injured in Shooting Range Incident in Phuket

A 28-year-old French national was critically injured in a shooting incident at a range in Kathu, Phuket, on September 28. Police are investigating the circumstances and have not yet confirmed exactly how the shooting occurred.

Kathu Police were alerted at around 2:30pm and sent officers to the shooting range, where they found the injured man, identified as William Gill.

Rescue workers provided first aid before taking him to Vachira Phuket Hospital. He reportedly suffered a serious gunshot wound to the head.

According to shooting range officer Krit Chantrabhirom, the Frenchman had purchased 10 rounds and was practising at the range. Witnesses said he had fired approximately four or five shots before the incident.

The man was then reportedly found with a gunshot wound to the head. Police are reviewing security camera footage and gathering witness statements to establish what happened and determine the circumstances of the shooting.

The incident follows several other reported firearm incidents at shooting ranges in Thailand.

In October 2024, a Thai man died at a shooting range in Chachoengsao province amid reports of financial and debt problems. That same month, a Chinese national reportedly died at a shooting range in Pathum Thani province. The circumstances of that case were not publicly disclosed.

In December 2024, a Phuket van driver reportedly died after shooting himself at a shooting range in Sakhu. The incident was said to have occurred in front of a staff member and was recorded by CCTV.

More recently, in March 2026, a Chinese tourist was injured at another shooting range in Kathu. He reportedly suffered a facial injury when a firearm discharged while a staff member was checking a personal weapon.

Police have not yet released a conclusion on the September 28 incident in Kathu, and the investigation remains ongoing.