The body of a renowned bullfighting enthusiast was found shot in the back, kneeling face down with hands clasped in prayer, dead in a rubber plantation in Songkhla. Police have arrested the victim’s close friend; the motive is believed to be conflict and insult.
Police at Padang Besar Station in Songkhla received a report of a man found shot dead inside a rubber plantation near the Phow Im Shrine, along the Thai-Malaysian border in Padang Besar municipality. Police Colonel Komthep Paoin, chief of Padang Besar Police, together with investigator Anuwat Na Pattani, forensic officers, doctors from Padang Besar Hospital, and the Ruamjai rescue team inspected the scene at about 2 p.m. on 14 June 2026.
At the scene, the deceased was identified as Mr. Wayu, nicknamed “Beer,” aged 35, from Padang Besar, Songkhla. His body was kneeling face down with his head bowed to the ground and hands in a praying gesture. He had four gunshot wounds to the back of the head, back, thigh, and right arm. Four 9mm bullet casings were found at the scene.
Initial information indicated the deceased was a well-known bullfighting enthusiast locally and had a criminal record related to firearms and drugs. However, police have not ruled out any motives or suspects and have not confirmed the cause or perpetrator.
Authorities summoned suspects, including close friends and acquaintances, for questioning while gathering evidence and awaiting forensic results, including gunpowder residue tests, to link the crime to the perpetrator.
Police Colonel Komthep Paoin, chief of Padang Besar Police, revealed the preliminary cause is suspected to be disputes over bullfighting and insults, as the victim allegedly taunted the shooter. A press conference to disclose the motive and details is planned for tomorrow, but the investigation details remain confidential for now.
On 15 June 2026, police detained Mr. Winai, nicknamed “Bae,” 40, from Padang Besar, after witnesses identified him as the shooter who killed Mr. Beer. The two were close friends living nearby. Police are conducting intensive questioning and initially charged Winai with illegal drug use after a urine test showed purple coloration. Authorities are seeking a murder arrest warrant from Natawi District Court. Mr. Winai remains in custody as police investigate the true motive, with a press briefing scheduled for 16 June.