British website designer murdered in Pattaya

The victim's red Porsche Cayenne GTS is cordoned off by police take in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, on Tuesday. (Photo by Trinai Jansrichon)

CHON BURI -- A British man was murdered while sitting in his car in Pattaya on Tuesday and police believe the killer was a hired gunman.

Nong Prue police called to the scene identified the victim as Tony Kenway, 39. He was shot dead while sitting in the driver's seat of his red Porsche Cayenne GTS in the parking lot in front of Sanit Sports Club Co in tambon Pong, Bang Lamung district.

He was killed about 2.10pm eyewitnesses told police. They said the killer was a chubby man, wearing a white T-shirt and a black jacket, sports shoes and a cap that partly hid his face. He had been seen standing under a shelter in front of a fitness shop.

Kenway had walked from the shop to the car and sat in the driver's seat. The gunman went over to the car, yanked open the door and fired a single shot into his head. The gunman then ran to a waiting motorcycle, which quickly sped away.

Police collected a single spent bullet cartridge case and a cigarette butt from the crime scene for examination.

Kernway's wife Somporn, 32, told police her husband had set up a company doing website design at Jomtien Beach. He lately had a business conflict with a shareholder, but she did not know if this was the motive for the murder.

Police were examining footage from security cameras in the area and questioning more witnesses. The victim's body was sent to Bang Lamung Hospital for a post-mortem examination.