Caution urged after Brit shot in Thailand

Friday, 4 January 2013 02:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice to Thailand has been reviewed following the death of a British tourist in a New Year’s Eve shooting.

Ekkapan Kaewkla, 26, was arrested over the killing of 22-year-old Stephen Ashton, of south London.

He was reportedly caught by a stray bullet during a fight between two groups at a bar on the resort island of Koh Phangan.

Kaewkla is also suspected of carrying a weapon on the island following the shooting.

The FCO warned that western tourists have been victims of “vicious, unprovoked attacks” by gangs in Koh Phangan.

“These attacks are particularly common around the time of the Full Moon parties and generally occur late at night near bars in Haad Rin on Koh Phangan.

“On January 1 a British national was killed in a shooting incident while at a beach party in Haad Rin. Exercise caution when in this area at any time, especially after dark.”

The FCO said seven British people have been murdered in Thailand since January 2009

“Violent assaults and robberies have been reported in Chaweng, Koh Samui,” the FCO added.

“Attacks have also occurred in other tourist districts in Thailand frequented by western tourists including Chiang Mai. Care should be taken in such areas, especially at night.”