NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: The owner of a large pig farm was shot dead and his wife seriously wounded in Bang Khan district on Thursday night.
The attack occurred while the couple were travelling along Nua Ton-Pa Toey road in tambon Ban Lamnao, and was reported to police about 7pm, said Pol Lt Col Sathian Songpram, investigation chief at Bang Khan police station.
Sommai Rakphet, 48, was found lying face down with multiple bullet wounds to his body. At least 10 spent cartridges were found at the scene .
A pistol believed to belong to the dead man was found near his body. His wife Boonchuay Rakphet, 48, was shot and seriously wounded. She was rushed to Bang Khan Hospital before police arrived at the scene.
Investigators said the couple ran a major swine farm in the district. They were attacked while travelling on a motorcycle, with Ms Boonchuay riding pillion, from their farm to their house in tambon Ban Lamnao. Two men were seen following them on a motorcycle. The pillion rider fired shots at them.
Sommai was hit, but not killed. He abandoned his motobike and ran away, but then collapsed. One of the two assailants then finished him off at close range with shots from a 9mm pistol. The killers fled on their motorcycle.
Police launched a manhunt overnight, but found no trace of the suspects.
Pol Col Khomsan Phuesawanit, chief of Bang Khan police, on Friday sent a team of investigators to the area.
Initial findings were that the murder stemmed from a business conflict, but police declined to give further details.
Police said Sommai had survived two previous attacks and carried a gun at all times.
The investigation was continuing.