Thailand death a hit, police told

Steve Miller and his former wife, Megan, who remained a close friend. Picture / Hawke's Bay Today

A New Zealand man shot dead in Thailand was executed by hitmen on the orders of his former girlfriend, say Thai police.

Former Hawkes Bay man Stephen Miller was killed while riding his motorbike to the gym in the Thai city of Pattaya, about 150km south of Bangkok, on Thursday.

The 39-year-old's former girlfriend, Jintina Weechachai, has been arrested in connection with his murder.

Police reports made available yesterday to Thai media outlined a confession from Ms Weechachai.

The Thai woman is said to have admitted she hired two gunmen because she feared Mr Miller was going to leave her.

In her statement she said they dated for about five months but Mr Miller did not treat her well. She described him as a "butterfly" (promiscuous) and said he had tried to take back gifts he had given her, including a car and land.

A Thai acquaintance, who did not want to be identified, said Mr Miller had bought some land with Ms Weechachai and that they had planned to build a house on it.

The man said Mr Miller intended to amend his will so that the house would go to his surviving partner in the event of his death. It is not known if that happened before his murder.

Police reports say Ms Weechachai said she personally knew the gunmen she hired for the fatal hit. They were Woratip Gachatwong, 24 - who has been arrested - and Yeungyut Jurapong, 25, who is still on the run.

Ms Weechachai's description of Mr Miller as an uncaring boyfriend is at odds with the way former friends from New Zealand remember him.

Mr Miller was a well-known bodybuilder at the Sparta Health and Fitness Centre in Napier before leaving for Thailand several years ago.

A staff member, who did not want to be named, said news of Mr Miller's death had stunned many members at the centre.

"I have had the biggest, hardest- nosed bodybuilders in tears, everyone's pretty cut up about it," he said.

"He was a really, really nice guy, incredibly friendly. He was the nicest guy and would do anything for you."

Mr Miller is understood to have been living in Thailand for about five years, and last visited the centre in 2002. He also kept in regular contact with several other members and childhood friends, one of whom received an email from Mr Miller about an hour before he was killed.

Mr Miller's ex-wife, Megan Miller, who has flown to Thailand with some of Mr Miller's family, is said to be devastated by his death.

Despite their separation, friends say the pair had remained close and Ms Miller had visited Mr Miller in Thailand for holidays. They did not have any children together.

Thai media have reported that Mr Miller was shot in the head at close range, the bullet entering at the base of his ear. His body was found on the ground near his motorbike which was lying on its side with a bag containing identification details, gym membership and some boxing equipment. Police formally identified him from a New Zealand driver's licence.

Mr Miller is understood to have continued his bodybuilding in Thailand and also pursued Thai kickboxing, which he was "very passionate about".

It is understood a ceremony will be held in Thailand today and Mr Miller's ashes would be returned to New Zealand.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the two arrests.