Wichit police arrest man after neighbor is shot in drinking dispute

Wichit police arrested a 30-year-old man after a late-night shooting at a home in Phuket’s Wichit subdistrict, where a 53-year-old neighbor was wounded during an argument over drinking. Officers were called to the residence at about 2:30 a.m. on Monday, May 18, and found the victim with a minor gunshot wound to his arm, police said.

Investigators said the dispute began as a verbal argument between neighbors. According to police, the suspect went back to his house, retrieved a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun and fired two shots before fleeing.

Court warrant executed hours after shooting

The arrest was carried out at 4 p.m. the same day under the direction of Wichit Police Station Superintendent Pol. Col. Somsak Thongkliang. Police said officers acted on a warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court.

The suspect, identified only as Veerapong, was taken into custody on charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Police said he confessed.

During the operation, officers seized the handgun, two live rounds still in the magazine and two spent shell casings. Authorities sent the weapon for forensic examination, including DNA testing, as part of the investigation.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/19/man-arrested-after-late-night-shooting-over-drinking-dispute-in-wichit/