Man arrested after shooting nephew in Cha Am

A man has been arrested after shooting his nephew in Cha Am following what police described as a long-running family dispute.

The incident took place at about 5.30pm on 5 June at a house in Ban Huap Kapong, Moo 10, Cha Am, Phetchaburi.

Pol Lt Col Pakornkiat Chinthet, an inquiry officer at Cha Am Police Station, was informed of a shooting at the property and led officers to inspect the scene.

Police said they found blood stains near the entrance to the house and one 9mm cartridge case inside the property.

The injured man had already been taken by relatives to Cha Am Hospital before officers arrived. He was later identified as Arun Paenthong, also known as “Night”, 31, from Cha Am.

Police said he had been shot in the chest and later died from his injuries.

Suspect surrenders to Cha Am police

According to police, the alleged gunman was Thaworn, also known as “A”, 45, who was the victim’s uncle.

After the shooting, he allegedly fled the area with the firearm used in the incident.

Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and checked possible escape routes before the suspect later surrendered to officers at Cha Am Police Station with the firearm.

Police said Thaworn was questioned by investigators and charges were being prepared as part of the legal process.

Family dispute under investigation

Initial inquiries found that before the incident, Arun had taken his two-year-old son to the house and left him in Thaworn’s care.

The house was also being used as a made-to-order food shop in the community. The child was reported to have been close to Thaworn.

Later that evening, Arun returned with his girlfriend to collect the child. Police said an argument then broke out between Arun and Thaworn.

Investigators said the two men had been involved in a long-running personal dispute that was known to people in the local area.

During the incident, Arun allegedly attacked Thaworn with a metal hoe, causing injuries. Thaworn then allegedly went inside the house, took a firearm and shot Arun.

Police oppose bail

Following his surrender, Thaworn was questioned by Pol Col Apirak Permchai, superintendent of Cha Am Police Station, and Pol Lt Col Pakornkiat, the inquiry officer handling the case.

Police opposed bail at the investigation stage.

The suspect was being held pending an application to Phetchaburi Provincial Court for further detention.