Thai suspect arrested after Brit killed at New Year’s Eve party

A shooting on a Thai island has left a 22-year-old man dead, with the suspected gunman appearing in court on Wednesday

16:08 02 January 2013

A British man has been killed following a shooting that took place on the Thai island of Koh Phangan on New Year’s Eve. A local man has been arrested and is due in court on Wednesday, although he reportedly denies firing the fatal shot.

 

Stephen Ashton, aged 22, from London, died after being shot while partying on the popular Haad Rin beach on New Year’s Eve. It is thought there was a bust-up between two local gangs and Mr. Ashton became caught up in the struggle.

 

Mr. Ashton was supposedly taken to Bandon International Hospital, which is based on the nearby island of Koh Samui, inThailand, where he was later pronounced dead.

 

The alleged gunman, known as Ekkapan Kaewkla, was taken in by police for questioning on Wednesday following the death of the male tourist. It is understood that the suspect denies responsibility for firing the shot that killed Mr. Ashton.

 

A Foreign Office spokesperson commented on the news: “We are aware of the death of a British national in Thailand on New Year’s Eve. We are providing consular assistance to the family.”

 

Mr. Ashton had previously posted a photograph of himself enjoying a drink with friends at a Thai bar on Facebook mid-December.

 

Koh Phangan is one of three islands situated close together in Thailand which are popular with tourists. However, Haad Rin beach is known for its full moon parties and sees travellers and tourists from around the globe visiting Koh Phangan island to party.

 

This is not the first incident to have happened on Koh Phangan as there have been reports of violence happening there in the past.