A British national has been arrested in Khon Kaen after allegedly fatally shooting his Thai wife in Maha Sarakham province, Thai police confirmed on January 27, 2026. The suspect, identified as a 58-year-old man named Anthony James, was taken into custody after a multi-agency search that followed the deadly incident earlier that day.

Authorities were alerted to the shooting at around 11 a.m. at a homestay in Ban Nong Hin village, Khok Kor subdistrict, where the victim, 44-year-old Phatree Uraphanom, was found with gunshot wounds.

Police said she was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering a wound to the head.

Investigators believe a domestic dispute preceded the shooting, though the exact motive remains under investigation.{{turn0search0}}{{turn0search11}}

After the incident, the suspect fled the scene in a white four-door pickup truck registered in Chon Buri province.

Police issued a public warning describing him as armed and dangerous, prompting a wide-ranging manhunt across the region.

Law enforcement officials tracked the vehicle to Khon Kaen city and located Mr. James at a downtown hotel, where he was arrested without further incident.

According to statements made during questioning, the suspect claimed the fatal shooting occurred amid an argument and said he had been ill and frustrated prior to the confrontation.

He also alleged ongoing conflict within the family, though officers noted his account was inconsistent in parts and subject to further verification.

Investigators collected forensic evidence at both the crime scene and the location where the suspect was apprehended as part of their continuing inquiry.

The couple had lived together for several years in Maha Sarakham, and police are continuing to review the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

The suspect has been transferred to Don Wan police station in Maha Sarakham for legal proceedings, and Thai authorities are expected to file formal charges in relation to the fatal shooting as the investigation advances.