Police are gathering evidence and preparing to issue an arrest warrant for the perpetrator who ambushed and fatally shot "Madam Pat" on a street in Phatthalung province. Authorities believe more than one person was involved in the crime too.
The incident involved an assailant using a 9mm handgun to ambush and shoot Mrs. Patthama Maneesuwan, known as "Madam Pat," 39, a pork stall employee at a fresh market and former owner of a savings group, resulting in her death. The shooting occurred on the Krop–Khuan Khiam road, Moo 2, Ban Khuan Ton Bok, Pa Bon Subdistrict, Pa Bon District, Phatthalung Province, in the early morning of 9 January 2026.
At 19:00, relatives placed Madam Pat's body for funeral rites at Khuan Kham Thong Monastery, Moo 6, Pa Bon Subdistrict, Pa Bon District, Phatthalung Province, after officials returned her body from a forensic autopsy at Songkhla Rajabhat University Hospital in Hat Yai. Doctors recovered two 9mm bullet heads lodged in the victim's body—one near the right eyelid on the head, and the other beneath the breast.
The funeral atmosphere was filled with sorrow as relatives and close friends struggled to accept the sudden loss of their beloved. Many believe the main cause was financial debt issues.
Mrs. Dao, 48, Madam Pat's sister, revealed that the deceased was friendly, hardworking, and had always tried to repay her debts while supporting her two children’s education. The family acknowledged that the problem likely stemmed from setting up a savings group that collapsed, as well as personal debts she borrowed to cover various expenses. She confirmed there were no other conflicts and said, "It shouldn’t have ended in such violence."
Regarding case progress, a police source stated that witness interviews and evidence collection are ongoing. They have recently identified the suspect and believe more than one person was involved, as the perpetrators were well-informed of the victim’s movements before brazenly following and committing the crime.
Police are focusing on financial debt as the primary motive and expect to request an arrest warrant from the court within 1–2 days.