SONGKHLA: A farewell party turned violent in the early hours of Friday, when a drunk driver shot dead a drunken colleague.

The bloodshed happened after an all-night party, police said.

Anukul Phetthong, 48, an official in the machinery section, was shot twice at close range, suffering fatal wounds to his head and body, he said.

 
The alleged killer was waiting at the scene when police and medical responders arrived. Sa-ngad Ninsuwan, 53, a driver who worked in the same office as the victim, appeared to be drunk, police said.


A gun was handed over to police. Two cartridges were found on the floor.



Witnesses told police the office held a farewell party for six retiring officials on Thursday night. More than 50 people attended. The party officially ended around midnight, when most guests left.

However, 5 or 6 guests, including the victim and the suspect, stayed on and continued drinking. They were all at the same table. The victim and Mr Sa-ngad became involved in a heated quarrel.

Mr Sa-ngad left and went to his room and returned to the table shortly afterwards.

He then suddenly pulled out a gun and fired at Anukul, who fell from his chair to the floor and died in full view of the other drinkers.


The driver claimed that Anukul became very drunk and spoke to him disrespectfully. This led to a quarrel and Anukul punched him in the face, he told police. The driver went to his room and fetched his gun.

Mr Sa-ngad told police he was also drunk and it was an impulsive act. He regretted what he had done and wanted to apologise to the bereaved family.