UPDATE: 11.35am – The shooter, who was still on the bus, has apparently shot himself. According to Phuket Hotnews, relatives failed to negotiate a peaceful outcome. Police then tried using tear gas and moved onto the bus. The perpetrator was found dead behind a seat in the bus.
UPDATE: 11.15am – Officials are still negotiating with the alleged shooter who remains on the bus. Traffic remains blocked along Thepkasattri Road in the immediate area, in both directions.
ORIGINAL STORY: Police in Phuket have closed the northbound lanes of Thepkrasattri Road near the Wat Sapum Thammaram, between Phuket Town and Koh Kaew, following a shooting incident on an interprovincial bus that was travelling to the southern province of Phattalung. The bus, carrying 9 passengers, departed from the Ratsada bus terminal at 7am this morning, about 2 kilometres away from the scene of the incident as the bus was travelling north along Thepkasattri Road.
According to a report by Phuket News, the shooter fired two shots, hitting a man and a woman on the bus. The victims have been rushed to Mission Hospital for medical treatment.
PHOTO: Shooting in Phuket on Phattalung bus
According to the 39 year old bus driver Somyot Buakaew, the bus was approaching the downward section of the Khuan Din Daeng Hill when he heard a gunshot inside the vehicle. A female passenger ran to the front of the bus, calling for help, and the driver then heard a second shot.
In response, Somyot immediately pulled over the bus to allow passengers to evacuate.
It’s understood the shooter is still on the bus, which has been surrounded by police officers who have sealed off the area.
The situation is ongoing and authorities are continuing to respond. This is a developing story and we will keep you updated as it unfolds.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
