A hero policeman caught up in a shootout with a crazed gunman was saved from taking a bullet - after it hit the iPhone in his pocket.

Off-duty Sergeant Major Powaret Banjong, 31, had been visiting the packed restaurant when he intervened in an argument on a nearby table. The dispute involved local gangster Somchai Saechua, 49, who was drunk and shouting at a woman.

The mafia figure opened fire on the cop - who was celebrating a birthday with friends - hitting him in the thigh and forearm. But a third bullet was prevented from making contact after it smashed into the iPhone he had in his right pocket.

The smartphone's screen was shattered and there was a bullet-hole in the top right corner - but it did not penetrate the other side.

Powaret collapsed and his colleague, Lance Corporal Naretrak Krueawara, 30, grabbed the 9mm automatic handgun and continued the shootout as 200 diners ran for cover.

The gangster was shot in the stomach and right temple, arm, stomach and leg. He was taken to hospital where he is in a critical condition.

Powaret is also recovering in hospital while the alleged gangster has been charged with attempted murder.

The cop said: ''I'm very lucky to be alive. My iPhone saved me from getting hit a third time. Two bullets is OK but three would have been harder to survive. I think the phone saved my life. Thank you to my colleague for protecting me. I want to get better and return to work to catch more criminals.''

A hero policeman caught up in a shootout with a crazed gunman was saved from taking a bullet - after it hit his iPhone in his pocket.

Off-duty Sergeant Major Powaret Banjong, 31, had been visiting the packed restaurant when he intervened in an argument on a nearby table. The dispute involved local gangster Somchai Saechua, 49, who was drunk and shouting at a woman.

The mafia figure allegedly produced a gun and opened fire on the cop - who was celebrating a birthday with friends - hitting him in the thigh and forearm. But a third bullet was prevented from making contact after it smashed into the iPhone he had in his right pocket. The smartphone's screen was shattered and there was a bullet-hole in the top right corner - but it did not penetrate the other side.

Powaret collapsed and his colleague, Lance Corporal Naretrak Krueawara, 30, grabbed the 9mm automatic handgun and continued the shootout as 200 diners ran for cover.

The gangster was shot in the stomach and right temple, arm, stomach and leg.He was taken to hospital where he is in a critical condition.

Powaret is also recovering in hospital while the alleged gangster has been charged with attempted murder.

The cop said: ''I'm very lucky to be alive. My iPhone saved me from getting hit a third time. Two bullets is OK but three would have been harder to survive. I think my phone saved my life.Thank you to my colleague for protecting me. I want to get better and return to work to catch more criminals.''