Police arrest teen in fatal Phetkasem Road shooting

2026-01-30 - 03:46

PHETCHABURI — 29 January 2026, Police have arrested one of two suspects in a deadly motorbike shooting on Phetkasem Road in Khao Yoi district, Phetchaburi province, with another suspect still on the run and expected to be caught soon. Investigators from Khao Yoi police station arrested a 17-year-old suspect on the morning of 30 January 2026 in Moo 5 of Khao Yoi subdistrict. Police identified the suspect as “Ko”, a juvenile, who is accused of taking part in the killing of Thanarat Wonglai, 23. Police said the suspect and an accomplice, identified as “Oh” or “Plem”, rode a dirt bike to follow the victim before opening fire. The victim, a resident of Sa Phang subdistrict in Khao Yoi district, was shot seven times and died at the scene along Phetkasem Road. After the shooting, both suspects fled on a dirt bike. Police said the accomplice remains at large. Investigators believe the two suspects and the victim had previously argued, though the exact motive has yet to be determined. During initial questioning, the arrested suspect gave inconsistent statements, telling police that he had been riding on the motorcycle but claimed he was unaware that his friend intended to shoot the victim. Police said they are continuing to investigate and expand the case to locate and arrest the remaining suspect, who they expect to apprehend soon.