A former well-known footballer in Thailand was injured after allegedly being shot by his ex-wife following a heated argument outside a municipal office in Ratchaburi province.
The incident reportedly happened at around 9.20am on May 26 at the parking area of the Pho Hak Subdistrict Municipality Office in Bang Pae district.
Police from Pho Hak Police Station rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a shooting involving injuries.
When officers arrived, they discovered blood stains on the ground along with two spent .38-calibre bullet casings.
Authorities also recovered a blood-stained shoulder bag and a camouflage jacket believed to belong to the victim.
The injured man was identified as Pornchai Atchinda, 42, a former famous football player who currently works as a civil servant at the municipality office.
According to investigators, he suffered gunshot wounds to his right palm and right shoulder.
Colleagues at the scene immediately rushed him for emergency treatment before he was later transferred to Ban Phaeo Hospital in Samut Sakhon province.
Police identified the suspect as the victim’s 41-year-old ex-wife, identified only as Ms. Punyanuch.
Authorities said the couple had separated around two years ago but were reportedly still involved in ongoing legal and domestic disputes related to their divorce and child support matters.
Investigators believe the woman drove to the victim’s workplace before the two became involved in a heated argument in the parking area.
Witnesses then reportedly heard two gunshots moments later.
A coworker who witnessed the incident managed to disarm the suspect before she fled the scene in a gold Toyota Vios.
Police later tracked down the vehicle details and are currently searching for the suspect.
Investigators said relatives of the woman are allegedly attempting to persuade her to surrender voluntarily.
Authorities added that if she fails to surrender, an arrest warrant will be issued for charges including illegal possession of a firearm and attempted murder.
The shocking shooting has attracted widespread attention in Thailand due to the victim’s past reputation as a former football player and the dramatic nature of the incident taking place in broad daylight outside a government office.
