A 56-year-old Norwegian man has been arrested for attempted murder after allegedly firing a crossbow at a fellow Norwegian tourist during a drunken outburst on the Thai island of Koh Samui.
According to Surat Thani police, the incident took place around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday 19 June 2025, inside a residence in Koh Samui district. The victim, identified only as Ms. Pia, was reportedly speaking on the phone with police when the arrow struck her iPhone 12 Mini, which deflected the shot and likely saved her life.
A witness named Simon told police he was watching a movie on the sofa when the suspect, named as Mr. Elmer, emerged from his room intoxicated and agitated. Pia, fearing for her safety, had picked up her phone to call 191. Elmer briefly returned to his room before reappearing with a black crossbow fitted with a laser sight.
Police say he aimed the weapon directly at Pia’s head and fired while she was still on the call. The arrow struck her phone, which was held to her ear at the time, damaging the device. Elmer then fled the scene.
Following an investigation by Mueang Surat Thani Police Station, an arrest warrant was issued by Koh Samui Provincial Court on Sunday 23 June. The suspect was later apprehended at Surat Thani Bus Terminal while attempting to flee the province by van. He has been transferred to Samui Police Station for prosecution.
The charges include attempted murder.
Source: Khaosod English
[…] wurde schließlich am Surat Thani Bus Terminal festgenommen, während er versuchte zu fliehen, wie Scandasia […]
What is the status of the claimed perpetrator as of today?
Has anyone attempted to fire the alleged crossbow at a similar iPone?
I have known Elmer for 15 years, albeit not the last 6 years, still, he has always been a responsible adult and artist, and a decent human being.
Are there any evidence, as in blood tests, which would explain his mental state?
Elmer is not a violent person, however, his partner, Pia, reportedly has mental problems.
If Elmer really has gone off the deep end, my heart goes out to her, as well as Elmer.
Neither person deserve the trauma of a Thai prison.
Elmer, please contact me if you can.
Tillman2J at Gmail.