Phuket Man Arrested After Shooting Neighbor During Alcohol Dispute

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Phuket after allegedly shooting his neighbor following a late-night argument linked to alcohol consumption.

According to Wichit Police, officers received reports of gunfire at a residence in Wichit subdistrict, Mueang Phuket, at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Monday, May 18.

When police arrived at the scene, they found a 53-year-old man with a minor gunshot wound to his arm. Emergency responders provided assistance before the victim was taken for medical treatment.

Investigators said the incident began as a verbal dispute between neighbors over drinking. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly returned to his home, retrieved a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun, and fired two shots at the victim before fleeing the area.

Later the same day, at around 4:00 p.m., officers from Wichit Police Station carried out an operation to locate and arrest the suspect under a warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court.

The man, identified only as Veerapong, was taken into custody on charges including attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

During the arrest, police seized the suspected weapon along with two live rounds remaining in the magazine and two spent shell casings believed to have been used during the shooting.

According to investigators, the suspect admitted to the allegations during questioning.

Authorities stated that the firearm has been sent for forensic analysis, including DNA examination, as police continue gathering evidence related to the case.