Village Headman The village headman of Village No. 2, Ban Ai Noi, was shot dead during a meeting in front of villagers. Police found the suspect to be a relative and revealed the motive behind the incident.
At 14:10 on 7 June 2026, Police Sub-Lieutenant Wicha Nupannoi, the duty officer at Muang Phatthalung Police Station, along with Police Colonel Somprat Kannakanon, the station chief, forensic officers, and rescue personnel, went to inspect the village hall of Village No. 2, Ban Ai Noi, Chai Buri Subdistrict, Muang District, Phatthalung Province, following a report of a fatal shooting.
At the scene, officers found the body of Mr. Suwit Boonplong, also known as Village Headman Kai, aged 57, the leader of Village No. 2. The body showed a fatal gunshot wound from an 11mm firearm that entered the head and exited the back of the skull. Near the body lay a microphone and documents. In front of the meeting table, police found a .45 caliber bullet casing. On the table were the deceased’s mobile phone and a set of meeting documents.
Local residents recounted that at the time, Village Headman Kai was holding the monthly village meeting with over 50 committee members and villagers attending. Unexpectedly, Mr. Khajorawut Chupong, also known as Mr. Phloeng, aged 47 and a relative of Village Headman Kai, entered the hall carrying a firearm. He approached the headman from the side and fired one shot before fleeing through another exit. Another gunshot was heard shortly after, and the bullet struck Mr. Phloeng on his right shoulder, passing through to his back.
After the incident, police apprehended Mr. Phloeng hiding in a residence about 100 meters from the village hall. They seized the 11mm firearm used in the shooting, along with seven rounds of ammunition, which had been hidden under a mattress in a bedroom of a neighboring relative’s house.
Police investigations revealed the motive stemmed from a personal conflict between the village headman and Mr. Phloeng. Previously, during the Songkran festival, Mr. Phloeng had fired a gun at a police patrol post. Authorities issued an arrest warrant and detained him. Village Headman Kai opposed Mr. Phloeng’s bail due to his disruptive behavior and the fear he caused among villagers.
Additionally, Mr. Phloeng had a history of frequent firearm-related offenses, which fueled ongoing tensions. He was released on bail on 4 June 2026 and soon after committed the shooting of Village Headman Kai. The origin of the bullets Mr. Phloeng used is under investigation.
Mr. Pitakphon Yaonun, headman of Chai Buri Subdistrict, Muang Phatthalung, stated that Village Headman Kai was a dedicated and well-liked community representative. He expressed shock at the incident, especially since the suspect was a relative of the deceased.