Police arrest fugitive linked to multiple gun attacks and attempted murder

Police arrested a fugitive linked to multiple gun attacks and attempted murder in southern Thailand.

Somyot Promraksa, 31, allegedly opened fire on nightlife venues, damaged a hotel, and carried out a drive-by attack and kidnapping in Songkhla province.

Police have been tracking him down since last year, before they traced his location to a condominium in the country's conflict-ridden deep south.

Footage shows armoured officers raiding the property on May 26, where Somyot had been living with his girlfriend.

The shirtless suspect opened the door and immediately surrendered without resisting arrest. He confirmed he was the subject of the arrest warrants.

Police said Somyot was wanted over a string of violent incidents, including a shooting rampage outside an entertainment venue in Songkhla on July 25, 2025.

Somyot and two accomplices reportedly arrived at the venue, where he fired several shots into the air, sending terrified tourists and employees scrambling for safety. Bullets also damaged a nearby hotel before the group fled the scene.

He was also wanted over an alleged drive-by shooting outside another entertainment venue in Songkhla.

Police also linked Somyot's group to the alleged kidnapping and assault of Saksuriya, 38, from a house in Phatthalung on July 24, 2024.

Authorities said he faces charges including attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, carrying a firearm in public without permission or reasonable cause, damaging property, and unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public area.

He was taken to Hat Yai Police Station before being handed over to the inquiry officer at Sadao Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Police Colonel Somphong Suwanwong, who led the raid, said: 'We are in the process of expanding the investigation to the network and accomplices in various cases, and are accelerating the pursuit of other suspects who are still at large to bring them to justice.'

Thailand has one of the highest gun ownership and gun homicide rates among Southeast Asian nations.

Though Thai authorities have vowed to tighten gun control, there are around 4 million unregistered guns, often smuggled from war-torn countries, in circulation, the Ministry of Interior said in 2023.

In February, the Thai government said stricter background checks will be enforced for new firearm purchase applications, including examining their personal behaviour and potential ties to criminal activities.

While those who already own licenses will 'continuously monitored by local officials' to ensure they are still qualified.