A gunman on Thursday fired several shots at a furniture store in Chumphon’s Muang district owned by a leader of local anti-government protesters.
Thong-in Thanurat, 49, the store’s security guard, told police a black car drove by the place at around 1am. A gunman in the front passenger seat fired five rounds at the building and the vehicle sped off.
Mr Thong-in said he was unable to identify the car’s brand and licence plate number.
Pittaya Wongsamrit, 53, owner of the shop and one of the 15 leaders of the provincial branch of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), said he believed the attack was an attempt to get him to step down from his position.
Before the incident he had led demonstrators to various locations across the Chumphon to gather donations to pay travel expenses for those who want to join the "Bangkok Shutdown" movement, he said.
Mr Pittaya insisted that he is not scared by the incident and will continue to lead local protesters.
His wife, Sumittra Wongsamrit, 53, said her family doesn’t have any personal disagreement with any person or group. The only motive behind the shooting that comes to her mind is her husband’s role as a protest leader, she said.
Pol Col Vimol Pitakburapa, superintendent of Chumphon police station, said the shooting was likely a threat rather than an attempt to cause harm. Police are continuing to investigate, he said.