18-year-old shot in Phatthalung after attempting to report robbery

2026-02-07 - 03:36

PHATTHALUNG — 7 February 2026, An 18-year-old seriously injured in a Phatthalung shooting after robbery report, after he was allegedly turned away when attempting to file a police complaint and later shot while travelling to another station, police said. At approximately 05:20 on 7 February, Pol. Capt. Soros Chana-phan, an investigator at Phatthalung City Police Station, was notified of a shooting victim admitted to Phatthalung Hospital. The victim, “Phu”, sustained a gunshot graze wound to the head. He was rushed to hospital by friends, suffering heavy blood loss. According to the victim’s friends, Phu had finished work at a logistics company shortly after midnight and went to rest at a friend’s home in Lam Pam subdistrict. At around 04:00, he rode his green Honda Giorno motorcycle, without a licence plate, back towards his home. While travelling along Aphai Borirak Road near Ban Hua Khuan, a group of teenagers on motorcycles allegedly followed him, brandished a firearm, and forced him to stop. The suspects reportedly stole a branded jacket and an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene. Phu then returned to seek help from friends, and the group of six people on two motorcycles went to Phatthalung City Police Station at around 04:30 to file a complaint. However, officers allegedly declined to accept the report, stating that the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Lam Pam Police Station and advised them to report the case there instead. While outside Phatthalung City Police Station, the group noticed a number of suspicious youths riding motorcycles repeatedly around the area before leaving. As the group departed for Lam Pam Police Station, they were ambushed along Aphai Borirak Road near a PTT petrol station. Three motorcycles reportedly approached from the opposite direction, and the suspects opened fire, discharging three rounds. One bullet struck Phu in the head, causing severe injuries. A senior friend who had been riding pillion took control of the motorcycle and sped away from the scene, rushing the injured teenager to Phatthalung Hospital. Bloodstains were later found covering Phu’s motorcycle. The motorcycle of the victim, covered in blood, miraculously did not crash thanks to quick action from the passenger Friends told police that Phu had no known disputes with anyone and believe the shooters were the same group responsible for the earlier robbery. None of the suspects were known to the victim. Police officers have inspected the crime scenes but have not yet recovered shell casings or bullets. Investigators are collecting evidence and reviewing nearby CCTV footage. Authorities noted that in recent weeks, groups of youths have frequently gathered to ride motorcycles late at night in Phatthalung province, particularly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, with multiple robbery incidents reported. Police say efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for prosecution under the law.