NAKHON RATCHASIMA – A prominent local musician was shot and killed in a targeted roadside attack in Dan Khun Thot district early Friday morning, sparking an urgent police manhunt. The incident, which occurred around 4:45 a.m. on the Dan Khun Thot–Thepharak road, is believed to be linked to a professional dispute.

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The victim, 47-year-old Pichet Chaengkhunthot, drummer and leader of the well-known “Raikaj Band,” was found lying face-up on the road with a fatal shotgun wound to the head. Two spent 12-gauge shotgun shells were recovered near the body, along with his still-running black Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck.

According to his wife, Pichet usually returned home between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. after performing at local venues. When he did not arrive by 4 a.m. and could not be reached by phone, family members later informed her he had been shot.

She told police her husband had recently mentioned a conflict with another band over accusations he had taken their work, but had not spoken of other threats.

Police suspect the assailants were known to Pichet and that the confrontation began as a face-to-face argument before escalating. By 8:45 a.m. Friday, officers had detained a male and a female suspect for questioning.

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The case is being investigated as a premeditated killing, with forensic teams from Provincial Police Region 3 examining the scene for additional evidence.

-Thailand News (TN)