CHAIYAPHUM: The headman, or phuyaiban, of a village in Khon San district of this northeastern province opened fire with his handgun on Saturday, killing a man and injuring another.
Police said the shooting was sparked by his anger at repeated requests by one of his victims to be an assistant village chief.
Khon San police deputy chief investigator Tawit Kongnonkok said the shooting occurred at about 5pm at an irrigation canal near Ban Non Charoen.
Arthit Chaemnonkhun, 41, the headman of Ban Non Charoen, and five or six other people were holding a meeting at the irrigation canal to discuss a plan to build a dyke across the canal.
While they were taking a break, Charoen Charoenthin, 47, a villager who had earlier been tipped to be made an assistant village chief, repeatedly asked the headman when he would be appointed to the position. A heated exchange between Mr Arthit and Charoen followed.
Mr Arthit pulled out a 9mm pistol and shot Charoen in the back of his head, killing him instantly.
He then turned the gun on Thuwanon Charoenthin, 41, Charoen's younger brother and an assistant headman of another village, and fired two shots, hitting Mr Thuwanon once in the right leg.
Mr Thuwanon was admitted to Khon San Hospital.
Police arrived at the scene shortly afterwards and arrested Mr Arthit.
Khon San police chief Suriya Jaknowan said Mr Arthit was initially charged with murder, pending further investigation into the case.
