Songkhla: The meeting intended to resolve a dispute over stolen mobile phones ended in chaos as a shooting incident left one gang member seriously injured.

According to Thai News Agency, the altercation took place in Songkhla Province when rival groups met to settle a disagreement concerning the sale of a stolen mobile phone. The situation escalated unexpectedly when a shot meant for a rival missed its target, injuring a member from the same group. The incident unfolded on Ratsadee Road, near the Hat Yai District Office, sending shockwaves through the community.

Pol. Col. Thammarat Phet Nong Chum, Superintendent of Hat Yai Police Station, responded promptly to the scene with investigators and officers from Forensic Science Center 9. It was reported that Mr. Ekkarat, also known as Bang Sem, aged 26, suffered two gunshot wounds to the abdomen from a .38 caliber pistol and remains in critical condition at Hat Yai Hospital. Meanwhile, the shooter, identified as Mr. Nitikorn or Nat, 30, managed to escape on a motorcycle.

CCTV footage reviewed by police revealed that the group initially intended to resolve the dispute peacefully. However, tensions escalated, leading to a shootout. The sound of gunfire startled nearby residents and families who were present to pick up their children from a police exam. Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooter and the injured were from the same group of friends, aiming to retaliate against the opposing party, but the bullet accidentally hit one of their own.

Authorities have identified five individuals present during the incident and are actively pursuing Mr. Nat. Efforts are underway to encourage his family to assist in persuading him to surrender to the police.