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SUPHAN BURI - A man killed a friend who had been looking after his champion fighting cock after the friend killed the bird and cooked it. Sombat Srijomkwan, 46, was shot in the head on Friday night at a house in tambon Jorakae Samphan in U-Thong district.

He was rushed to U-Thong hospital and later transferred to Chao Phraya Yomarat hospital where he died. Pol Lt Urai Somsakit, a case officer at U-Thong police station, said Sombat was having dinner at his house when his friend Sitthiporn Hamedaeng, 27, came to see him.

Mr Sitthiporn asked Sombat about his champion fighting cock as the latter, who was known for his skill with the birds, was looking after it.

However, Sombat told Mr Sitthiporn that he had killed the bird as it was too old to fight any more. He said he had cooked the cock in tom yam which he was having for dinner. Sombat then invited his friend to sample the dish.

Police said both men got into a heated argument, with Mr Sitthiporn saying his bird was worth a lot of money due to its reputation as a champion.

Mr Sitthiporn fired three rounds into the air to vent his anger but Sombat complained, so Mr Sitthiporn shot him and fled the scene, police said.

Officers are still searching for Mr Sitthiporn.

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