The suspect who shot a co-worker inside a warehouse in Phuket has been arrested after hiding in a hotel. He initially confessed, claiming accumulated resentment, while the injured victim was fortunate as his employee ID card reduced the bullet's impact.
On 7 Apr 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that following the investigation by Region 8 and Phuket City Police, they arrested Mr. Prakit Pannarai, 50, after he shot his co-worker Mr. Wirat Navadej, 40, seriously injuring him inside a warehouse of a retail and wholesale store headquarters in Ratsada Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District. Mr. Prakit fled on a red-black Honda Click 125i motorcycle, license plate 1 กข 8640 Phuket, as previously reported.
The latest update in the evening, Pol. Col. Chatree Chukaew, Chief of Phuket City Police, revealed that officers from Phuket City Police's investigation unit, together with Phuket Provincial Police investigators, tracked down the suspect’s hiding place. After obtaining a court warrant, they arrested him at a small hotel where he was hiding. During the search, officers seized the revolver used in the shooting along with 25 rounds of ammunition as evidence. The suspect confessed to all charges.
The injured victim, an employee of the store, was shot in the torso. His employee ID card reduced the bullet's force. Doctors performed surgery to remove the bullet, and his condition has stabilized and is no longer critical. Initially, the suspect was charged with attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, carrying a firearm in public without valid reason, and discharging a firearm without cause.
Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the incident. Initially, Mr. Prakit confessed to shooting Mr. Wirat, stating that they had multiple prior arguments. On the day of the incident, unable to endure further provocation, he lost his temper and decided to shoot Mr. Wirat before fleeing on his motorcycle to a daily rental room, where police later apprehended him. The police have assured that legal proceedings will be conducted fairly for both parties.