British Husband Faces Execution in Thailand After Alleged Hotel Shooting
A British man is confronting the ultimate punishment under Thai law after being accused of fatally shooting his wife at a holiday resort, in a case that has drawn international attention.
Anthony James Condron, a 56-year-old from Witham in Essex, stands charged with the intentional murder of his 43-year-old wife, Pattanee Urapanom. The alleged incident occurred at the Janpanom Farm Stay in Maha Sarakham province, where police discovered the victim's body around 11am local time yesterday morning.
Fatal Argument and Dramatic Escape Attempt
According to Thai authorities, the couple had been engaged in a heated argument before the shooting took place. Investigators believe Condron fired at his wife while she was attempting to leave their accommodation, mounting a motorcycle to ride away from the shared property.
Following the alleged shooting, Condron reportedly fled the scene, travelling approximately 80 miles to the neighbouring province of Khon Kaen. Police located him smoking on a hotel balcony, where he had apparently intended to continue his escape to the coastal town of Pattaya before armed officers surrounded the building and negotiated his surrender.
Conflicting Accounts and Police Investigation
During police interviews, Condron provided multiple versions of events. Initially, he reportedly told officers he killed his wife because she "ignored him while he was feeling unwell," claiming he regularly takes anti-anxiety medication and suffers from panic attacks.
However, he later changed his account, asserting the shooting was accidental and resulted from a struggle over the firearm that caused it to discharge twice. Police Lieutenant Colonel Katta Phudoungjit of the Don Wan Police Station stated: "The British suspect has not confessed. He gave a partial confession, admitting that he was present at the scene but denying that he directly pulled the trigger."
Weapon Details and Additional Charges
The firearm involved in the incident was identified as a homemade weapon that had been modified by changing the barrel. Condron faces additional charges of illegal firearm possession under Thailand's Firearms Act, though he denied ownership during questioning, reportedly stating: "I am a foreigner. Why would I have a gun?"
Police have confirmed they possess an eyewitness account from a relative of the victim who was standing just one to two metres from the shooting. This witness reportedly saw the moment the gun was fired, providing crucial evidence for the prosecution.
Community Impact and Legal Proceedings
Local residents revealed that Condron had lived in Thailand for more than a decade, with some suggesting he had a history of drugs and violence. In contrast, his wife was described as well-liked within the community, known for volunteering at local schools and charitable organisations.
Neighbours reported hearing the couple arguing on the morning of the incident, though they could not understand the content as "they were shouting in English." Pattanee's body was reportedly found lying face-up on a motorcycle at the scene.
Potential Penalties and International Response
Under Thai law, conviction for murder carries penalties ranging from twenty years imprisonment to the death penalty, depending on aggravating factors and mitigation considered by the court. Police have stated they will oppose bail for the accused while investigations continue into whether anyone assisted his attempted escape.
A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed: "We are in contact with the local authorities following the arrest of a British man in Thailand." Footage from the arrest scene shows Condron in handcuffs being placed into a police van as reporters questioned whether he felt remorse for his alleged actions.
The case continues to develop as authorities prepare to submit evidence to prosecutors, including a video statement Condron gave with an interpreter present at Khon Kaen City Police Station, which cannot be made public until formally requested for inclusion in the case file.
