Football referee Thanom Borikut, who was shot yesterday, is never far from controversy.
Football referee Thanom Borikut.
The 44-year-old was attacked outside a Sports Authority of Thailand dormitory where he was staying at about 5.45am.
The Fifa referee was in a safe condition after being shot three times and rushed to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, police said.
Witnesses told investigators that two people wearing helmets fired several shots at him as he was about to undergo a fitness check-up ahead of a match.
Police said the attack might have something to do with his controversial officiating on the pitch or a murder case in 2009.
Thanom, an army sergeant, was arrested for murdering his boss Thammanoon Prathumman in a bomb attack in Saraburi.
He reportedly confessed to have killed Thammanoon and the Criminal Court handed him a five-year jail term. But Thanom appealed against the ruling and was granted bail.
Metropolitan police chief Kamronwit Thoopkrachang, who was in charge of the Saraburi case, said yesterday's incident might have links to the bomb attack or football.
"People in football told me that Thanom made controversial decisions in many football matches," said Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit.
"I arrested him in that case in 2009. I thought I did a good case but I don't know how he walked free. Some people may still be frustrated."
Kamronwit said Thanom carried a gun so he should know he could be attacked.
Since the murder case, Thanom has been dubbed the 'Bomber Man' by the Thai press.
He was among candidates to represent Asia at the 2010 World Cup but his arrest deprived him of a chance to officiate on the biggest stage.
Thanom surprisingly returned to officiate domestic matches last year prompting fans to criticise the authorities who reinstated him.
Shortly after his return, he officiated a Thai Premier League match between hosts Chiang Rai United and Wuachon United.
He awarded Chiang Rai a controversial penalty and they equalised from the spot. He then sent off three Wuachon players in the final 10 minutes of play. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Also last year, Thanom was besieged by Thai Port fans after they were defeated 2-1 at home by Samut Songkhram thanks to a dubious penalty.
"I only followed the rules," he said after the match.
"My decisions were as straight as a ruler."
In March, he was attacked by Rayong FC fans after they suffered a 2-1 home loss to Air Force in a League One match.