UPDATE
The armed man surrendered to police after being told that the Director of Muang District, Supachai Phoctchanakun, would vouch for his safety. Suksan Sali, 34, was carrying a .38 and a fake gun. He was taken into custody at 7.30pm after holding police at bay for two-and-a-half hours. Methamphetamines and marijuana were found at his home. He had recently lost his job.
Original Report
PHUKET: Armed police were calling on a man named ''Joy'' to surrender in a siege near Chalong temple in southern Phuket tonight.
The man has two guns and had fired at least three shots, police said.
About 10 plainclothes officers with weapons cleared the area - in a lane close to the BAKE retail outlet in Chao Fa Road West - and prepared to close in if necessary.
Soon after 7pm, the man's wife was brought close to the scene to urge ''Joy'' to give himself up. It is believed the couple have a young child, aged two months.
A siege on Phuket involving armed men and police occurred in Kata-Karon last year when one gunman was shot dead and his accomplice died of wounds in hospital later.
The two had shot a patrol officer outside a resort not far from the half-constructed apartment that was their last refuge.
