Phuket Warehouse Shooting Suspect Arrested After Police Manhunt

Police in Phuket have arrested a man who opened fire on his colleague at a warehouse in Ratsada, bringing a swift end to a manhunt launched after the incident.

The suspect, 50-year-old Prakit Pannarai, was taken into custody on the evening of April 7 at a local hotel. He is accused of shooting his co-worker, 40-year-old Wirat Nawadate, a day earlier at a warehouse belonging to a retail business.

According to investigators, Prakit fired three shots during the confrontation, hitting Wirat in the body and leg. Despite his injuries, the victim managed to escape and later contacted a friend, who helped transport him to the hospital. Initially described as being in critical condition, Wirat has since stabilised and is now considered out of danger.

Medical staff noted that an identification card worn by the victim at the time may have lessened the impact of one of the bullets, potentially preventing more severe injuries.

After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene on a motorcycle. Officers from Mueang Phuket Police Station later tracked him down and arrested him at a hotel. A firearm and 25 rounds of ammunition were seized as evidence.

During questioning, Prakit admitted to the attack, stating that it was the result of a long-standing personal conflict with the victim. He told police that the two had argued multiple times in the past and that he lost control during their latest dispute.

Authorities have charged him with attempted murder as well as illegal possession and use of a firearm. Further investigation is underway to clarify the circumstances surrounding the conflict.

The incident follows a similar case reported in March, when a former park ranger shot an ex-colleague linked to a dispute over forest encroachment. In that case, the victim survived and later recovered after receiving medical treatment.