The 40-year-old, who competed in the 10-metre air pistol, 50m pistol and 25-metre rapid fire pistol events at London 2012 and reached the quarterfinal at Beijing 2008, was shot three times in the chest and stomach as he drove to the home of his estranged wife.

The window on the driver's side of his black Porsche had three bullet holes, while the attackers are said to have fled the scene on a motorcycle.

The father of two was pronounced dead at Seriruk Hospital.

"Police are still investigating and have not yet concluded what the motive was for the shooting," said Police Lieutenant Colonel Pradit Taprasitkitti.

Panichpatikum was out on bail following his arrest in July after a disturbance at his home, where he had allegedly fired a gun into the air to frighten his wife before assaulting her.

He was subsequently charged with attempted murder, assault, illegal possession of firearms and committing violent acts.

His wife and mother had said he had a history of violence and that his behaviour had worsened since his return from the London Olympics.

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