Bangkok: Gunmen ambushed and fatally shot “Ko San,” the owner of a major durian purchasing warehouse in Yala Province, during a tragic incident that has left the community in shock. Police are currently investigating two potential motives behind the attack: personal business dealings and the possible involvement of local insurgents.

According to Thai News Agency, CCTV footage captured the moment when Ko San, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and black shorts, was conversing with his wife inside the durian processing plant. A mysterious bullet struck him in the head, resulting in his immediate death.

Police from Aiyerweng Police Station, alongside relevant agencies, inspected the scene at the durian purchasing warehouse located on Highway 410, between Betong and Thanto districts in Yala Province. The authorities found the body of Mr. Prasert, also known as Kosan, aged 68, at the purchasing counter. They have cordoned off the area surrounding the scene and the adjacent durian orchard, suspected to be the ambush location. CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being reviewed as part of the investigation. After a preliminary examination, rescue workers transported the body to Betong Hospital for a comprehensive autopsy. Authorities are exploring multiple potential causes for the attack, including personal disputes, business issues, and the creation of a local insurgency, and plan to further question the deceased’s close relatives.

Recently, Commerce Minister Chatuporn Buruspat, along with Commerce Ministry Inspector-General Nantapong Jiralertpong and Department of Internal Trade Director-General Witthayakorn Maninet, visited the Gosan durian purchasing center. They led a delegation of Ministry of Commerce executives to monitor the durian situation, management, and support for the Ministry’s policies. The group also engaged with the private sector and local farmers on August 16th.