British man arrested after wife shot dead in Thailand

2026-01-28 - 02:11

KHON KAEN — 27 January 2026, a 58-year-old British man has been arrested after allegedly shooting his Thai wife dead in Maha Sarakham province before fleeing to neighbouring Khon Kaen, Thai police said. Police identified the suspect as Anthony James, a British national, who allegedly used a firearm of unknown type to kill his wife at a house in Ban Nong Hin village, Moo 4, Khok Kor subdistrict, Muang district, Maha Sarakham. After the shooting, he fled in a white four-door Isuzu pickup truck with Chonburi registration plates. Authorities issued a public warning describing the suspect as armed and dangerous, urging residents in Muang district, Maha Sarakham, and nearby areas to remain alert. Investigators later traced Mr. James to Khon Kaen city, where he reportedly went to meet a friend at a bar behind the Khon Kaen Municipality Office. Police found the Isuzu pickup abandoned on Sri Chan Road near the entrance to the Ad Lib Khon Kaen hotel. CCTV footage showed Mr James parking the vehicle, leaving it behind and walking away with a suitcase before being picked up by a friend in a blue four-door Ford pickup. Further CCTV tracking led police to a hotel near Kaen Nakhon Lake in Khon Kaen municipality. Officers from Muang Khon Kaen police, Khon Kaen provincial investigators, Region 4 Provincial Police and a special operations unit surrounded room 209 and negotiated with the suspect. Tourist police and immigration officers also took part in the talks. Mr. James later surrendered without resistance. He was taken to Muang Khon Kaen police station for questioning in the presence of senior officers, including Khon Kaen provincial police commander Maj. Gen. Anuwat Suwannaphum and Muang Khon Kaen police chief Col. Yosawat Kaewsuebthanyanit. A search of the pickup truck later uncovered a 9mm firearm hidden in the engine compartment, which police believe was used in the killing. During initial questioning, Mr. James gave inconsistent statements and appeared highly stressed, investigators said. He claimed the shooting was an accident. According to police, the suspect said he had been ill and had sought medical treatment twice, and had also slipped and fallen at home. He alleged his wife showed little concern for his condition. The couple argued on the morning of the incident, he said, and in a moment of anger he fired the gun, killing her, before fleeing to Khon Kaen to seek help from acquaintances. Investigators from Muang Maha Sarakham police later transferred Mr. James for further questioning. Forensic officers from Region 4 collected DNA evidence, while a lawyer and investigators were present during more than three hours of interrogation. Mr. James told police that he and his wife, as well as her relatives, had been in ongoing conflict, and that during a struggle over the gun it discharged twice, fatally wounding his wife. Col. Yosawat said the suspect was captured within three hours of entering Khon Kaen thanks to extensive CCTV coverage from private businesses and hotels, which allowed police to track his movements quickly. He said close coordination among multiple police units ensured the arrest was carried out without injuries or further loss of life.