Big Island Resident Fatally Shot In Thailand

HONOLULU -- A Hawaii resident has been shot and killed in Thailand.

Thai news organizations said Big Island resident Gary Booth Poretsky, 46, was fatally shot at a restaurant and bar in a popular tourist area called Chiang Mai.

Thai police said they believe William Thomas Douglas fatally shot Poretsky. He is in custody in a Thai jail, according to news reports.

According to Thai news reports, Douglas is an Australian man who has lived in Thailand for more than 30 years. He met Poretsky at the Keari restaurant in Chiang Mai.

Witnesses said the two men drank together and talked for several hours Saturday before an argument broke out.

Douglas is accused of firing three shots with a pistol, hitting Poretsky in the head and body, according to news reports.

Douglas turned himself over to Thai police an hour and a half after the shooting.

News reports said Poretsky arrived in Thailand two weeks ago to get some dental work done. His last listed address is in Pahoa.

Douglas faces premeditated murder charges and could face the death penalty. He is expected to appear before a judge on Monday.