A quiet afternoon at a Phuket shooting range took a tragic turn on December 23 when a local van driver, identified as Kittipong, died after an incident captured on the facility’s CCTV. The episode unfolded in Sakhu, Thalang district, and has since prompted sorrow from the community, questions from investigators, and online conversations about the mounting pressures residents face in Phuket.
What happened at the range
According to police reports, officers from Sakhu Police Station were alerted to the incident at about 6pm and found Kittipong injured at the shooting range. Staff at the venue said he arrived alone, rented a Glock 19 and a box of ammunition, and was guided to lane number 13 by an employee named Arkhom. CCTV footage — which officers say clearly recorded the sequence of events — shows Kittipong taking several practice shots at a paper target while under supervision.
After a series of rounds, staff say Kittipong asked how many bullets remained. When told one round remained, the situation rapidly turned fatal. Rescue workers rushed him first to Thalang Hospital and later transferred him to Vachira Phuket Hospital, but he was pronounced dead soon after arriving at the second facility.
Investigation and unanswered questions
Police and forensic teams inspected the scene and collected evidence while officers contacted family members to relay the grim news. Investigators have stated that the motive is not yet clear. As they gather information about Kittipong’s background, they are exploring possibilities that include personal, financial, and mental health factors.
Authorities are being cautious in their statements while seeking a fuller picture: there are still many unanswered questions about what led to this heartbreaking outcome. The CCTV footage will form part of the inquiry, and investigators are also speaking with relatives and acquaintances to learn more about any stresses or problems Kittipong may have been facing.
Public reaction and wider concerns
News of the incident has generated an outpouring of condolences on social media. Many users expressed sympathy for the family and friends left behind; others speculated that escalating living costs and economic strain in Phuket may have contributed to emotional turmoil.
One commenter on a Phuket Times report noted that the cost of living on the island has risen significantly and that many people are finding it hard to save or meet daily expenses. Online conversations also touched on the vulnerability of workers in the tourism sector and the toll that financial uncertainty can take on mental well-being.
Handling sensitive coverage responsibly
Reporting on incidents like this requires care. While the facts of the event are public, it’s important to avoid sensationalizing the circumstances or offering speculative details that could cause additional distress to those affected. Authorities continue to investigate and have asked for privacy as they work to understand what happened and why.
If you’re struggling, please seek help
This tragedy is a solemn reminder that many people are facing pressures that can become overwhelming. If you or someone you know is experiencing loneliness, severe stress, or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out. Immediate support is available:
- Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline (English): 02 713 6791
- Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline (Thai): 02 713 6793
- Thai Mental Health Hotline (Thai): 1323
Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or a professional can make a difference. If you’re in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services.
The community in Phuket now faces the difficult task of mourning a man described by colleagues as an ordinary working driver whose final hours unfolded far from home. As investigators work to piece together the factors behind this incident, many are left reflecting on the stresses felt by those who live and work on the island — and how vital it is to reach out when times are hard.
This is heartbreaking. A man alone at a range, and within minutes it’s fatal — there are so many questions. I hope investigators release the CCTV so the truth is clear.
I agree, but releasing footage can retraumatize the family and public. We need facts without spectacle.
True, privacy matters, but selective transparency could stop wild rumors and protect the family’s reputation too.
People here are starving; stress makes anyone snap. Blame the economy, not just the range.
We must avoid simple explanations. Mental health, financial strain, access to firearms — these interact. Professionals should lead analysis, not clickbait.
But accessible guns are the tipping point; you can’t separate the tool from the outcome. Regulation matters as much as therapy.
If the staff guided him and knew how many rounds were left, someone should be legally accountable. This looks like negligence.
I work at a range and we follow strict rules; accidents still happen and we can’t predict private intent from a short visit.
Intent or not, there has to be a duty of care. Ranges shouldn’t let someone handle a loaded gun alone when upset.
Let’s not rush to criminalize staff without evidence. CCTV and forensic reports should guide blame, not outrage.
Condolences to his family. Media should cover this respectfully and avoid lurid speculation. People are hurting.
I saw the social posts — many are respectful, but some are already blaming tourism. It’s ugly and premature.
Respect is fine, but accountability matters too; families deserve answers about what really happened.
The island’s cost of living is out of control and mental health services are lacking. This is a symptom of a bigger problem.
Economic hardship is a proven risk factor for suicide and crises. We need outreach programs and awareness in tourist-dependent areas.
Exactly — people here are juggling rent and irregular work. The range is where he happened to be, but the root could be systemic.
While we address economy, don’t forget quick interventions like hotlines and workplace support that can prevent tragedies.
I’ve worked across provinces; wherever tourism dips, families suffer. It’s a policy failure, not just personal tragedy.
Please avoid framing mental health as a moral failing. This kind of reporting should include support resources and measured language.
Why are ranges renting Glock 19s to random visitors without more checks? Regulations need tightening, fast.
Over-regulation can push activity underground. There must be a careful balance between safety and personal freedom.
Public safety should come first. Background checks, staff training, and immediate mental health screening could be standard.
A sensible middle ground is feasible: trained staff, clear protocols, and emergency response plans without banning everything.
Hospitals transferred him; was there any delay that could have changed the outcome? Emergency care logistics matter in islands.
Local hospitals are stretched. Transfers between facilities often waste crucial minutes, sadly.
Protocol requires stabilization before transfer; we shouldn’t assume mismanagement without the medical report.
Something feels off about calling it accidental before full inquiry. CCTV will tell a lot if authorities are honest.
Patience is needed. Angry speculation online can ruin investigations and lives if we jump to conclusions.
I knew someone who worked with drivers like him; the stress is real. This isn’t just news, it’s a community loss.
Communities should organize support so those under pressure don’t feel alone. Small acts could save lives.
Community care is important but so is policy — wages, social safety nets, and licensed rental rules play roles too.
Thank you for the empathy. Talking helps, and I hope authorities also treat the family with dignity.
The condolences online are nice, but real help needs funding and long-term planning, not one-off posts.
So sad. My heart goes out to his family. Please everyone be kind and verify facts before sharing.
Tourism booms turned Phuket into a fragile economy that collapses when tourists leave. The human price is ignored.
That argument is valid but repetitive; locals have differing experiences and some livelihoods improved with tourism.
We both benefit and suffer from tourism. The challenge is making the economy resilient so people aren’t pushed to desperation.
Hotlines are great, but language barriers exist for migrant workers and seasonal staff. Services must be accessible to all.
Agreed. Multilingual crisis lines and culturally informed outreach would make a real difference in places like Phuket.