Man survives shooting thanks to lucky charm

A businessman has survived being shot at point-blank range, thanks to a surprising item.

A Thai businessman has miraculously survived a point-blank gunshot to his chest while dining at a busy restaurant in Bangkok.

Pornchai Horasakul, 50, was shot in broad daylight during a business lunch on June 12 after conversations reportedly became heated between business partners.

Mr Horasakul is said to have been discussing real estate projects with his associates when they had a row over the division of profits.

As tensions flared, one of his business partners, Phisek Samphaongern, 28, allegedly pulled out a gun and fired at close range.

CCTV of the incident shows chaos erupting as terrified customers fled upon hearing the gunshots, with some crouching behind tables and chairs.

Police responded to the shooting and found the restaurant in disarray, with Pornchai on the ground.

The businessman was injured on the left side of his chest but miraculously survived thanks to his lucky Buddhist talisman, which absorbed most of the impact.

Paramedics rushed Pornchai hospital where they confirmed that the gunshot wound was shallow. Picture: Viral Press

Thai businessman Pornchai is said to be a regular at the restaurant. Picture: Viral Press

The life-saving charm – popular among superstitious believers as a protective accessory – was later found bent on the ground near Pornchai’s table with the lead bullet head still lodged inside it.

Paramedics rushed Pornchai to the Paolo Kaset Hospital for treatment where doctors confirmed he was not in a critical condition and that the gunshot wound was shallow.

Police Colonel Anan Worasat, superintendent of Bang Khen District Police Station told reporters, “From the preliminary investigation, the suspect fired two shots at Pornchai with a 9mm handgun. One struck him, while the other shattered a nearby window.

“After the attack, the gunman fled in a white pick-up truck, but no one could recall the license plate because they were shocked at how fast the incident occurred,” he added.

The lucky Buddhist amulet pictured before. Picture: ViralPress

The amulet miraculously deflected the bullet. Picture: Viral Press

A waitress said the businessmen were regulars who often dined in an airconditioned area of the restaurant.

“Today, I heard them arguing over how to split their profits. They had a heated exchange and not long after, shots were fired,” she said.

In another blow, restaurant owner Prasit believes some customers used the ensuing chaos to flee the restaurant without paying.

“I was so shocked. I have never encountered anything like this before. The gunshots were deafening. All the customers were scared and ran away. Some of them had not even paid for their food yet,” he said.

The 50-year-old is extremely lucky to be alive. Picture: Viral Press

The alleged gunman Phisek turned himself in to police the next morning, citing self-defence where he also surrendered the gun used in the shooting.

“I saw Mr Pornchai moving to grab his gun to shoot my father, who was at the same table. I had no choice but to shoot him first. It was self-defence,” he said.

The brazen gun attack comes after Thai authorities suspended the issuance of firearm carrying permits in a bid to curb gun violence in the country, earlier this year.

Thailand has one of the highest gun ownership and gun homicide rates among Southeast Asian nations.

Despite Thai authorities vowing to tighten gun control, there are still around 4 million unregistered guns in circulation.