Maha Sarakham-
A British national has been arrested in Thailand following the fatal shooting of his Thai wife, with the arrest occurring within hours of the incident on January 27th, 2026.
The suspect, identified publicly by Thai police as Anthony James Condron, aged 56 (reported as 58 in some sources), from Witham, Essex, in the UK, is accused of intentionally shooting his wife, Pattanee Urapanom (also referred to as Phatree Uraphanom or Pattanee Urapanom in some media), aged 43 or 44, at their homestay resort in Maha Sarakham.
The incident took place at the Janpanom Farm Stay, a homestay operated by the couple. Police discovered the victim’s body on the morning of Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, lying face up on a motorcycle with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Authorities believe Condron shot her as she was attempting to ride away on the vehicle amid an apparent argument or domestic dispute.
Neighbors reportedly heard shouting before gunshots rang out. After the shooting, Condron fled the scene in a pickup truck, still armed with the handgun, causing a rapid manhunt and public dissemination of his image and photos and name involving multiple agencies, including local police, the Immigration Bureau, and regional investigation units. Checkpoints were set up in the area due to public safety concerns over the armed suspect.
Condron was apprehended late that afternoon (Tuesday, January 27th) at a hotel room in nearby Khon Kaen province. Police coordinated across provinces to track his movements and effect the arrest swiftly.
In initial statements to investigators (via an interpreter), Condron reportedly claimed the shooting was accidental. He allegedly stated that the death resulted from an argument and misunderstanding, during which he pulled out the gun to threaten her, but it discharged unintentionally.
However, Thai police have pursued the case as intentional homicide, questioning the suspect’s narrative and asking if it is as an accident why he fled and tried to evade capture. An arrest warrant was requested and issued on charges of murder (intentional killing). The suspect’s long-term residency in Thailand, over 10 years according to locals, was noted, with the wife managing the homestay while Condron was described as retired and unemployed.
The case has drawn significant attention in Thailand and international media due to the cross-cultural marriage, the use of a firearm in a domestic incident, and the quick resolution of the manhunt.
Authorities continue to investigate potential accomplices in his flight and any additional circumstances surrounding the couple’s relationship. Condron remains in custody as proceedings advance under Thai law.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
