Thai authorities are intensifying a nationwide manhunt for 56-year-old British national Anthony James Condron, wanted for the alleged murder of his 43-year-old Thai wife, Pattanee Urapanom, in a resort hotel room in Maha Sarakham province. The shooting, which occurred in late January 2026, has sent shockwaves through Thailand’s expat and local communities, highlighting the volatile intersection of domestic tensions, licensed firearms, and cross-cultural marriages in a country that tightly regulates gun ownership yet sees occasional high-profile incidents involving foreigners.
The incident unfolded at a mid-range resort hotel where the couple had checked in for what was supposed to be a quiet getaway. According to police reports, an argument erupted in their room sometime after midnight. Guests on nearby floors reported hearing raised voices followed by several gunshots in rapid succession. Hotel staff, alerted by the noise, contacted emergency services. When officers arrived, they discovered Pattanee unresponsive on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Condron had already fled, leaving behind the handgun believed to be the murder weapon.
The firearm was legally registered in Condron’s name. As a long-term foreign resident on a retirement visa, he had obtained the necessary permits through Thailand’s strict firearms licensing process, which requires background checks, medical evaluations, and justification for ownership—often for sport shooting or self-defense in rural areas. The presence of a licensed weapon in a domestic dispute has raised alarms among Thai officials and gun control advocates, who argue that even regulated firearms can become lethal in moments of emotional crisis.
Pattanee Urapanom was a well-liked member of her local community in Maha Sarakham. Relatives describe her as warm, hardworking, and deeply family-oriented. She had been married to Condron for several years after they met through social circles in Thailand’s expatriate scene. Condron, originally from Witham, Essex, had spent extended periods in Thailand as a retiree with business interests, primarily in property and small-scale investments. Friends who knew the couple said their relationship appeared outwardly normal, though underlying stresses—financial disagreements, differing expectations about lifestyle, or unresolved personal issues—may have simmered for some time.
Immediately after the shooting, Maha Sarakham Provincial Police issued an arrest warrant for Condron on murder charges. The suspect is described as approximately 175 cm tall, of medium build, with short graying hair and a British accent. He was last seen wearing casual clothing—likely a dark shirt and trousers—when he left the hotel. Authorities believe he may have escaped on foot initially before acquiring transportation, possibly heading north toward Khon Kaen or south toward Bangkok. Roadblocks were quickly established on major highways, and alerts were broadcast to all immigration checkpoints, international airports, and bus terminals.
The manhunt has mobilized significant resources. Police searched Condron’s known addresses in Thailand, including apartments and properties linked to his visa status. Immigration databases confirm he entered the country multiple times over the years without prior criminal flags, though British authorities are now conducting parallel background checks. The British Embassy in Bangkok has acknowledged the case, stating it is providing consular support to the suspect’s family while urging full cooperation with Thai law enforcement.
Forensic teams processed the hotel room thoroughly. Crime scene photos released to media (with sensitive details redacted) show the handgun on the floor near the bed, spent shell casings scattered, and bloodstains consistent with multiple shots fired at close range. The autopsy confirmed Pattanee died from penetrating gunshot wounds; no defensive wounds were noted, suggesting the attack may have been sudden or that she had little opportunity to react. CCTV footage from the hotel corridor captured a figure matching Condron’s description exiting the building shortly after the reported time of the shooting, carrying no visible luggage.
Public reaction in Thailand has been one of outrage mixed with sorrow. Vigils for Pattanee have been held in her hometown, with community members lighting candles and sharing memories of her generosity. Online forums for expats and mixed couples have been flooded with discussions about warning signs in relationships, the dangers of unresolved conflict, and the need for accessible counseling services. Thai media outlets have covered the story extensively, often framing it within broader conversations about domestic violence and the challenges faced by intercultural marriages.
As the search enters its second week, speculation grows about Condron’s possible whereabouts. Some investigators believe he may be hiding in rural areas where he has connections, while others fear he could attempt to cross into neighboring Laos or Cambodia using informal routes. Police have appealed directly to the public, releasing updated photos and urging anyone with information to contact the dedicated hotline without hesitation. A modest reward for credible tips has been floated, though official confirmation is pending.
Pattanee’s family has spoken publicly, expressing deep pain and calling for Condron’s swift capture. They want answers about what triggered the violence and why help was not sought earlier. Meanwhile, Condron’s relatives in the UK have issued no statements, though sources close to them indicate shock and disbelief at the allegations.
The case has reignited debate in Thailand about firearm access for foreign residents, mental health resources for expatriates, and early intervention in domestic disputes. Support organizations for women in mixed marriages have ramped up outreach, offering confidential helplines and legal advice.
With no confirmed sighting of Condron yet, the manhunt shows no sign of slowing. Thai police remain confident that the combination of nationwide alerts, public cooperation, and international coordination will eventually lead to his arrest. Until then, the quiet resort hotel in Maha Sarakham stands as a grim reminder that even in paradise, unresolved tensions can erupt into irreversible tragedy.