Paternal protection: shooting murder in Phuket

WICHIT, PHUKET: A father lying wounded in a Phuket hospital faces a murder charge after allegedly shooting a young man who had a dispute with his son over the weekend.

Withun Khonsakul, 58, allegedly shot and killed 24-year-old Anurak Pawatkunawat at around 6pm on Sunday.

Phuket City Police Duty Officer Teerawat Amnartjarernying went to the scene, outside a house in the Irawadee Village housing estate off Sakdidet Road in Wichit Village 3, at around 6:30pm.

He found Mr Anurak lying on the ground with bullet wounds to the chest and waist. There were four .38 bullet casings nearby.

Witnesses said the victim appeared at Mr Withun’s house with a gang of youths looking to fight Mr Withun’s son, 22-year-old Suchin Khonsakul.

Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers took the victim to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where doctors were unable to save his life.

Mr Withun told police he was aware his son had a dispute with Mr Anurak.

The dispute started because Mr Suchin ‘didn’t respect Anurak, even though he was older,’ one witness told police.

Earlier the same day, Mr Suchin went to Mr Anurak’s house to clear up the dispute but Mr Anurak was not at home, Lt Teerawat said.

Later, Mr Anurak arrived at Mr Withun’s house with friends, including his 16-year-old brother who was allegedly carrying a knife.

The gang refused to believe Mr Withun when he told them his son was not at home and an argument ensued.

After Mr Withun pulled out a gun to scare them away, Mr Anurak challenged him to shoot.

The older man allegedly obliged, shooting him not once but three times.

A witness said Mr Anurak’s 16-year-old brother slashed Mr Withun on the arms and wrist before fleeing with the other gang members.

Mr Withun tried to shoot him too, but missed.

Mr Withun, now being treated at Vachira Phuket Hospital, faces a murder charge.

Mr Anurak’s family have retrieved his body for funeral services.

— Sitthipong Nongkaew