Nakhon ratchasima: Police are urgently hunting for the gunman who fatally shot the leader of a popular band in the middle of the street in Nakhon Ratchasima, allegedly due to a conflict over music performances. The victim's spirit is said to have possessed a friend during a ritual to summon the deceased's ghost.
According to Thai News Agency, the gunman shot and killed Mr. Pichet, or "Num," 47, a musician and leader of the "Rai Kaat Band," on the Dan Khun Thod-Theparak road, at the intersection leading to Ban Nong Pluang, Phan Chana Subdistrict, Dan Khun Thod District. Mr. Pichet was returning home after a performance when his body was found at 4:47 AM on January 18, 2026.
This morning, investigators from Dan Khun Thod Police Station summoned 10 witnesses, including fellow musicians and suspects, for questioning. They also sent investigators to the home of another suspect believed to be the murderer, located in a nearby village in Phan Chana Subdistrict, but the suspect had already fled.
In the afternoon, Pol. Maj. Gen. Narongsak Phromtha, Commander of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police, dispatched a team of investigators to collaborate with the Dan Khun Thod Police Station team. They have divided tasks to expedite the arrest of the gunman and his accomplices, whose identities are already known. The motive is believed to be a conflict over music.
Later, reporters visited the scene where Mr. Pichet's wife, relatives, and friends performed a ritual to invite his spirit. During the ritual, Mr. Phong, a friend of Mr. Pichet, collapsed and convulsed, claiming that he had been killed, while crying out accusations.
At Wat Don Wua, Phan Chana Subdistrict, where the funeral service is to be held, relatives are preparing for the ceremony and awaiting Mr. Pichet's body, which has been sent for autopsy. Mrs. Nucharee, the deceased's wife, mentioned that her husband had no known conflicts except with another musician, which led to fewer performances. Before his death, he called their son to report a problem with another band and requested a gun for self-defense, leading her to believe this was the reason for his death.