A British man has been arrested after shooting his Thai wife dead outside a homestay in Maha Sarakham province, police confirmed.
The chilling shooting unfolded on Monday, January 27, in Ban Nong Hin, Khok Kor subdistrict. Officers responded quickly after gunfire was reported. They found the 44-year-old victim lying lifeless beside a motorcycle in a garden near the woods, with a fatal gunshot wound to her head.
Authorities identified the suspect as Anthony James, a British national and husband of the victim. Investigations revealed James used a 9mm handgun to shoot his wife while she was seated on the motorcycle. He then fled the scene in a white pickup truck.
Police set up multiple checkpoints, including near the local school attended by the couple’s children, to track him down.
James has lived in Thailand for over a decade but carried a troubling reputation. Locals linked him to drug use and previous violent incidents, including fights and traffic offences. The shooting is believed to have erupted from a domestic dispute.
James reportedly told police he would surrender in Chon Buri but never showed up. Officers urged him to hand himself in at Maha Sarakham police station or arrange a safe surrender elsewhere.
A local said: “James was often seen sleeping in rice fields and involved in drugs. His wife was well-liked, multilingual, and friendly to visitors.”
“I didn’t know what triggered the fight. I saw James lunge at his wife and fire the gun immediately,” said the victim’s 66-year-old uncle. “I tried to stop him but couldn’t. They had two children and often argued in English. James has a short temper.”
James is now in custody as police continue their investigation. More updates are expected.
Originally published by UKNIP.
