A British tourist has been shot in Pai, Mae Hong Son province, Thailand, following a roadside altercation linked to a dispute over cannabis. The incident has raised concerns for both visitors and locals in this popular backpacker destination.
Shooting in Pai: What Happened
The victim, Aiden Jay McDonald, 25, from Dundee, Scotland, was injured on August 26 near the Yoma Hotel in Pai, a well-known stop for travelers exploring northern Thailand.
According to Thai police, McDonald was riding his motorcycle when he nearly collided with another rider, later identified as 40-year-old Kitinan Pantarak. The near-crash reportedly escalated into a heated argument.
Police allege that Kitinan, described as a local cannabis seller in Pai, pulled out a gun and shot McDonald in the arm. In a surprising twist, Kitinan then transported the British tourist to Pai Hospital himself before fleeing the scene.
Police Investigation and Charges
Security footage confirmed both the confrontation and the suspect bringing the injured man to hospital. Officers later arrested Kitinan at his home and charged him with attempted murder.
Colonel Phasawin Kaewtai, superintendent of Pai Police Station, said the two men were acquainted. The suspect claimed McDonald owed him about 2,500 baht (approx. £57) from a cannabis purchase.
The British tourist is also facing scrutiny for a visa overstay in Thailand, as immigration police confirmed he had exceeded his permitted stay by four days at the time of the incident.
Victim’s Condition
Hospital staff reported that McDonald’s injuries are not life-threatening. Witnesses said he was seen walking around the hospital with an IV drip and appeared unwilling to escalate the matter, describing the shooting as “an accident.”
Cannabis Laws in Thailand
Thailand legalized cannabis in 2022, becoming the first country in Asia to do so. However, unclear cannabis laws in Thailand have led to a boom in unregulated dispensaries, especially in tourist hubs like Pai, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Pattaya.
The Thai government has announced plans to tighten cannabis regulations, with proposals including requiring medical certificates for purchases to curb recreational use.
Conclusion
The case of the British tourist shot in Pai highlights two ongoing issues in Thailand: the risks of violent disputes in tourist areas and the legal grey zones surrounding cannabis sales.
Police are continuing their investigation, and while the British national is expected to recover, he may also face immigration penalties for overstaying his visa in Thailand.
