A jealous mother diagnosed with terminal cancer shot her husband before killing herself because she could not bear him to meet somebody new after her death.

Pilaiwan Kimaphan, 38, had been diagnosed with a nasal and sinus cancer last month in Chachoengsao, central Thailand.

But she was found dead on her bed beside her husband Montree, 43, with a bullet hole in her right temple next to a pool of blood on Friday morning.

Pilaiwan Kimaphan (right), 38, shot her husband Montree (left), 43, before killing herself at their home on Friday

Officers who arrived at the house noticed a bullet hole in one of the glass windows (pictured) which had come from the same .38 pistol the wife had been killed by

Residents who heard the gunshots called police who found the husband with a bullet wound on his forehead but still breathing. He was rushed to hospital where he remains on a life-support machine.

Neighbours said Pilaiwanhad struggled with her cancer diagnosis and feared that Montree, a popular local councillor, would leave her for someone new after she died.

One resident said that Montree was the village chief who 'everybody liked' but his wife was worried he would leave her.

The neighbour, Natwarin, said: 'Montree was very popular but he loved his family and he looked after his wife.

Residents who heard the gunshots called police who found the husband with a bullet wound on his forehead but still breathing

'Pilaiwan was very ill and she had become very thin. She could not do a lot and was worried he would find another woman, because he is handsome and has many friends.'

Officers who arrived at the house noticed a bullet hole in one of the glass windows which had come from the same .38 pistol the wife had been killed by.

The couple's oldest son told police that he was shocked when he received a suicide message from his mother because he though 'his parents had a happy life together'.

He said: 'They were a great couple and always cared for me and my brothers.

'I did not expect it when she sent me a message saying "We are so sorry for this, but mum and dad could not carry on any more.I was so tired. I am sorry".'

Neighbours said Pilaiwanhad struggled with her cancer diagnosis and feared that Montree, a popular local councillor, would leave her for someone new after she died

'Recently, my mother also kept telling me and my brother to take care of each other.'

Police captain Montree Rodpranee said: 'From the evidence from neighbours, we know that the village chief's wife had just been diagnosed with a nasal and sinus cancer which had caused a gloomy atmosphere in the house.

'We believe that she might have wanted to end their suffering, so she shot her husband first and then herself.

'We will need to interview the husband if he regains consciousness to confirm the reason behind the shooting.'