A 21-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly shooting his father three times during a heated argument at a family home in Phetchaburi Province.
Police from Mueang Phetchaburi Police Station were alerted to the shooting at around 7am on May 31 and rushed to a single-storey house in Ban Mo Subdistrict along with forensic investigators.
Upon arrival, officers discovered evidence of the shooting, including three spent 9mm shell casings – one near the front entrance and two inside the house on a bed.
The victim, identified as Mr. Atthasit, had already been transported to Phra Chom Klao Hospital by members of the public. He sustained gunshot wounds to the chest, buttocks and left calf but survived the attack.
Investigators identified the suspected gunman as the victim’s son, Mr. Siradanai, who fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
According to a former deputy mayor, who is related to both men, tensions between the father and son had reportedly existed for some time and arguments between them were not uncommon.
The latest confrontation allegedly began when the father instructed his son to return a motorcycle to its owner. The disagreement quickly escalated into a fierce argument.
Police said the suspect allegedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire on his father three times before escaping.
A manhunt was launched, and by 9.30am the same day, investigators led by Lieutenant Colonel Ronachai Chantrapung successfully tracked down and arrested the suspect at another residence belonging to a relative not far from the crime scene.
During questioning, the suspect reportedly confessed to the shooting and claimed years of family conflict had contributed to the incident.
He alleged that he had repeatedly been threatened, physically assaulted and intimidated by his father over a prolonged period, including having a gun pointed at his head and being subjected to physical violence.
According to his statement, the argument over the motorcycle reignited long-standing tensions, causing him to lose control before allegedly firing the shots.
Police have charged the suspect with attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm in a public area without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
He has since been handed over to investigating officers for further legal action.
Authorities are continuing their investigation as they piece together the circumstances surrounding the family dispute that escalated into gun violence.
