Hat Yai: Police have reported four charges against Mr. Nitiphan, the son of a well-known lawyer in Hat Yai, after he allegedly shot and killed his friend, Mr. Yongyuth, during a confrontation over a missing gold necklace. Despite the severity of the allegations, Mr. Nitiphan has denied all charges.

According to Thai News Agency, surveillance footage captured the tragic incident, showing Mr. Nitiphan, 37, shooting Mr. Yongyuth, 37, multiple times at a table outside a restaurant in Hat Yai City. The two friends were reportedly in the company of two other friends when the shooting occurred. Initially, Mr. Nitiphan shot Mr. Yongyuth three times in the head, then proceeded to sip his drink before getting into his car. Moments later, he returned to fire four more shots at Mr. Yongyuth, who was already lying on the ground.

The altercation reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over a missing 2-baht gold bracelet, which belonged to Mr. Nitiphan. It had disappeared the night before while the group was at an ente
rtainment venue in Hat Yai. Suspecting Mr. Yongyuth of taking the bracelet, Mr. Nitiphan confronted him, leading to a heated argument and the subsequent shooting.

Following the incident, Mr. Nitiphan surrendered to Hat Yai Police Station, where he was charged with intentional murder, possession of a firearm and ammunition without permission, carrying a firearm in public without permission, and possessing a firearm that uses gunpowder without reason in a public area. Despite these charges, Mr. Nitiphan has maintained his innocence and has requested to present his statement in court. His father, a renowned lawyer, was present during his surrender and the subsequent investigation.

As part of the investigation, police tested Mr. Nitiphan for gunpowder residue at Forensic Science Center 9 and searched his residence, located just 100 meters from the crime scene, for additional evidence. Although the murder weapon was not found, police seized jeans and sandals that matched the clothing seen in CCTV footage. Mr
. Nitiphan is set to appear in Songkhla Provincial Court, with police opposing bail due to the gravity of the crime. The other four friends present during the incident have been taken as witnesses by the police.