23-Year-Old Shot Dead in Rubber Plantation After Stadium Explosion
A 23-year-old man was shot four times and killed in a rubber plantation in Trang Province early August 6; a 45-year-old suspect surrendered hours later, claiming the victim had thrown explosives at a cockfighting arena.
Police received a report at 3:30 a.m. on August 6, 2025, of a fatal shooting in a rubber plantation in Tambon Nabinla, Muang District, Trang Province. Officers from Muang Trang Police Station, led by Deputy Superintendent Navaphan Luang-Kaew, found the body of 23-year-old Sastravorph lying face-up with a Smith & Wesson .357 revolver with a 4-inch barrel near his right hand. The weapon contained three spent shell casings and three unused rounds.
An initial autopsy revealed the victim was shot four times with an 11mm caliber weapon: once through the right ear and out the left ear, once at the back of the head, once near the right ear, and once on the left forehead. Officers also recovered two spent 11mm shell casings and the victim's black hoodie near the body.
About 200 meters from where the body was found, police discovered a gray Honda Wave 110 motorcycle without license plates, containing a baseball cap belonging to the victim and a pair of red flip-flops placed beside it. Preliminary investigation suggests the victim parked the motorcycle, removed his shoes, and ran through an oil palm plantation into a rubber plantation before being pursued and shot.
At approximately 5:45 a.m., Yongyos (alias "Kai Namae"), 45, surrendered to Muang Trang Police and handed over the firearm used in the shooting. Forensic officers collected gunpowder residue samples and additional evidence.
A witness who was tapping rubber nearby reported hearing multiple gunshots that sounded like an exchange of fire, prompting him to turn off his headlamp and hide in the rubber plantation for safety.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect claimed to be a cattle herder and caretaker of a Trang cockfighting arena in Tambon Nabinla. He alleged the victim had thrown explosives into the arena while alone, causing damage. The suspect said he followed the victim by motorcycle for several kilometers until the victim parked, removed his shoes, and ran into the rubber plantation approximately 200 meters before the shooting occurred.
Police have charged the suspect with premeditated murder and are continuing to gather evidence, forensic results, and witness statements.
