The gunman suspected of shooting a journalistin Thailand has been arrested.

Motorcycle taxi driver Kwanchai Panthong, 32, turned himself in to the Bang Lamung district police in Pattaya at 10:30 pm on December 13 after allegedly attacking reporter Natapat Boonchalee, 28, in a road rage incident that left the journalist seriously injured.

Kwanchai led cops to the grassy field near the Soi Setthi 1 railroad, where he had disposed of the shotgun he had been carrying with him 'for self-defense'.

Speaking to authorities, Kwanchai claimed he was drunk and became angry when the 'confrontational' reporter allegedly cut in front of his motorcycle and insulted him.

He then reportedly blasted Natapat with the weapon and left him to die on the road. He added that they did not know each other and had no previous disputes.

Kwanchai claimed to be remorseful over his actions, saying: 'The moment I pulled the trigger, I intended to take his life because I believed if I didn't shoot, I would be the one shot, based on my past experiences.

'However, I feel guilty and sorry for everything I have done and want to apologise to the victim and his family. If I could turn back time, I would not have done that.'

The Pattaya Provincial Court has issued an arrest warrant for Kwanchai, and he was charged with attempted murder and violations of the Firearms Act.

He was detained in custody pending legal proceedings.

Police Colonel Nawin Sinturat, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, said: 'As for the suspect's two friends who were present at the time of the incident, they are currently still in witness status.

'From our questioning of other witnesses, circumstantial evidence, and footage from various CCTV cameras, we have determined at this time that they were not involved in the shooting, consistent with the suspect's testimony.'

Meanwhile, Natapat's father Athipbadee Booncharee was asking Good Samaritans to donate Type A blood for his son at the Chonburi Hospital.

Thailand has one of the highest gun ownership and gun homicide rates in Asia. There have been several mass shootings in recent years.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has vowed to tighten gun control following a shocking shooting attack in a Bangkok shopping mall that killed three people in October.