Workplace bullying cited in fatal Thalang roadside shooting

A 34-year-old man has confessed to shooting dead a fellow concrete-mixer truck driver in Thalang, police said, citing repeated workplace bullying as the alleged motive.

Thalang Police Chief Pol Col Nikorn Chuthong said Sommai was questioned over the 17 September shooting of 32-year-old Kittiphit Chinda. Kittiphit was shot once in the right temple while riding home from work and died at the scene beside the northbound lanes of Thepkrasattri Rd, near the airport underpass.

According to police, Sommai told investigators that Kittiphit had repeatedly bullied, mocked and belittled him, causing resentment to build before he decided to shoot his co-worker.

Police also had forensic specialists test Sommai’s hands for gunshot residue. Investigators took him to Bang Sai Yamu Beach in Pa Khlok, Thalang, where he said he had thrown the firearm into the sea, but the weapon was not recovered.

Police arrested Sommai later that night. He was initially charged with homicide, illegal possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm in public. He is being detained at Phuket Prison while legal proceedings continue.