Authorities in Thailand have launched a major manhunt for a British national accused of shooting his Thai wife dead at their hotel resort before going on the run. The suspect, identified as Anthony James Condron, aged 56 and originally from Witham in Essex, is alleged to have murdered Pattanee Urapanom, 43, with a handgun.
Discovery of the Victim
Police discovered Ms Urapanom's body on Tuesday morning at the Janpanom Farm Stay in Maha Sarakham, Thailand. Reports indicate her body was found lying face up on a motorcycle, with a fatal gunshot wound to her head. She was pronounced dead at the scene by responding officers.
Investigation Details
Officers from the Don Wan district station believe that Mr Condron shot his wife while she was mounting the vehicle to ride away. In a desperate bid to apprehend him, police checkpoints were swiftly established around the area. Locals revealed that the suspect had been living in Thailand for more than a decade, integrating into the community.
Police Major General Paladech Petwango provided a statement, saying: 'The victim was a well-loved member of the community due to her friendly nature and volunteering work with schools and charities. Her friends and family are in shock. They are overcome with grief and cannot understand how this happened.'
Fleeing the Scene
Based on tracked routes, investigators found that the suspect fled the scene and travelled to Khon Kaen province, where he abandoned his white Isuzu vehicle. Major General Petwango added: 'We coordinated with the Immigration Bureau, the regional Investigation Division, Maha Sarakham Provincial Police, and several agencies to assist in the manhunt. Whether anyone assisted him in fleeing remains under investigation.'
Neighbour Accounts and Background
Police questioned neighbours who claimed they had heard the British man shouting at his wife before the gunshots were fired. The officer noted: 'The neighbors did not understand what the argument was about because the couple were speaking in English. They said that the couple had argued frequently prior to the incident.'
The couple had lived together for several years but did not have any children. Ms Urapanom ran the homestay named Janpanom Farm Stay, while Mr Condron was retired and unemployed.
Public Safety Concerns
The case has attracted significant public attention, with authorities emphasising the urgency of the search. Major General Petwango stated: 'The suspect also carried a firearm, which posed a danger to the public, so we had to urgently find him.' An arrest warrant has been requested from the court on a charge of intentional homicide.
