PHUKET –
Phuket police are investigating a serious incident at a local shooting range after a stray bullet fired by a staff member struck a Chinese tourist in the face.
At approximately 6:10 p.m. on March 18th, 2026, officers from Kathu Police Station received a report that a foreign visitor had been shot near a gun range in Kathu. The injured woman, identified as Ms. Xiao Li, 52, was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital with a gunshot wound to her right cheek. Doctors confirmed she was conscious and receiving treatment.
According to initial inquiries, Ms. Xiao Li and a friend had been using the shooting range under staff supervision. After finishing their session, they posed for photos near the firing booth. Shortly afterward, a taxi driver waiting to pick them up alerted the range staff that one of his passengers had been injured. The victim was then transported to Patong Hospital before being transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital.
Police later questioned a 28-year-old employee of the shooting range, who admitted responsibility. He stated that while checking his personal firearm outside the staff quarters, about 20 meters from the shooting area, he forgot that a round was chambered. The weapon discharged, and the bullet pierced a wooden wall and glass door before striking the tourist.
Relevant authorities have charged the employee with negligence causing serious injury, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
