BANGKOK: Police in Thailand said Wednesday they had arrested a Thai man over the death of a British tourist shot during New Year celebrations at one of the Southeast Asian nation's most popular islands.
The 26-year-old suspect is alleged to have opened fire during an argument with a group of other Thai men at a bar on the southern resort of Koh Phangan, killing holidaymaker Stephen Ashton who was dancing on the beach.
"He was charged with murder, even though he said he did not aim to kill a tourist. Firing the gun, no matter at whom, was aiming to kill," said Surat Thani province police commander Kietpong Khaosa-ard.
The man, who was arrested late Tuesday near his home on the island, was also charged with illegal possession of a weapon.
The British Foreign Office on Tuesday said it was providing consular assistance to Ashton's family.
Phangan is a resort island in the Gulf of Thailand near Koh Samui and draws thousands of backpackers to its famous full moon parties.
- AFP/de
Thai arrested over death of Briton at New Year party
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Thai arrested over death of Briton at New Year party
