Surat thani: Police investigators from Provincial Police Region 8 have arrested "Bank GrabMaTek," the man responsible for fatally shooting a rival on Koh Samui. He was apprehended while hiding at a friend's house in Surat Thani city. The suspect confessed that he was provoked into the act after being stabbed first, leading him to retaliate with multiple gunshots. He further revealed that "Mr. Sin," a mafia figure associated with the yellow-plate taxi network, supplied him with the firearm and facilitated his escape by boat. Currently, ten individuals have been arrested in connection to the case, with two suspects still at large.
According to Thai News Agency, the fatal incident occurred in the early hours of May 24th, where a group of assailants targeted and shot Mr. Shikharin, also known as First, a 31-year-old public taxi driver. The attack took place in front of a convenience store in the Bo Phut Subdistrict of Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province, resulting in his death.
Following leads that one suspect, Mr. Pakasit, had fled Koh Samui and was working as a Grab driver, police conducted a raid on a house located on Vibhavadi 2/1 Road in Makham Tia Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province. Mr. Pakasit, also known as Bank, aged 28, was arrested on charges of premeditated murder and violations of the Firearms Act. He was initially questioned at Mueang Surat Thani Police Station before being transferred to Koh Samui Police Station for further legal proceedings.
During the investigation, Mr. Pakasit confessed to the shooting. He stated that he works as a Grab motorcycle driver on Koh Samui and had stopped to meet with friends who drive taxis. A confrontation with Mr. Shikharin led to a brawl, during which Mr. Pakasit was stabbed in the right rib cage. In a fit of rage, he retrieved a gun from his accomplice, "Mr. Sin," and shot Mr. Shikharin, resulting in his immediate death. Following the incident, "Mr. Sin" assisted Mr. Pakasit in receiving medical treatment and escaping from Koh Samui to Surat Thani city by fishing boat. The two later parted ways.
As the investigation progresses, police have successfully arrested 10 out of the 12 suspects for whom arrest warrants were issued. Among those still at large is "Mr. Sin," the owner of the gun and manager of the yellow-plate taxi queue, and the landlord of the rental house where the suspects were staying. Witnesses confirm that the landlord was present during the incident, and police are actively working to apprehend him.