A MAN is negotiating to give himself up to Phuket police after admitting to firing 15 shots to kill a rival over the affections of his girlfriend. The man is tonight negotiating his surrender through his brother-in-law, who is a policeman.

The killing had a dramatic beginning. A hail of bullets riddled Somchai Komsub, 27, about 4am on Friday in Chao Fa Road East, outside a local market in Vichit, a southern suburb of Phuket City, close to Suan Luang Park.

Forensics officers determined that 12 of the 15 shots fired struck Khun Somchai: three in his forehead, three in the back of his head, four in the left cheek and two in the neck.

Facing a wide police manhunt, the policeman's brother-in-law appears to have decided to give himself up after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Phuket City police have also interviewed a young woman.

Colonel Wanchai Eakpornpid, Superintendent of Phuket City Police Station, investigated the case and is now negotiating a surrender through the man's brother-in-law. It is not known at this stage whether the gun used in the killing was a legal or illegal weapon.

Witnesses told Colonel Wanchai and other investigating officers that a man in a black T-shirt got out of a bronze Isuzu pickup near the scene before shooting Khun Somchai then driving off towards Phuket City.

At no stage was there a suggestion that the killing had some connection to his role as an occasional ''reporter'' for a local Korean newspaper. Khun Somchai worked as a security guard for a pub in Phuket City.

People who commit criminal acts and surrender to the police usually receive reduced sentences as a consequence. Phuket City police are likely to release the names of the people involved as soon as the man hands himself over to authorities.

Khun Somchai lived in Soi Samakkee, off Yaowarat Road in Phuket City.

Earlier posts had the negotiations being carried out through Khun Somchai's brother. An update made it clear it was his brother-in-law.