<p>
	Police identified the suspect as Ekkapun Klaewkla. Police said he confessed to killing Stephen Ashton, 22, a city trader, during an exchange of fire with another group of men who allegedly fired at his group.</p>
<div>
	Police quoted Ekkapun as claiming that his group was outnumbered during a fight at about 5am on January 1, so he decided to use his homemade gun to protect himself. Ashton was hit accidentally.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Ashton was dancing on the sand when he was caught in the crossfire. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.</div>
<div>
	Ashton reportedly was on holiday with five friends, had travelled to one of the top locations on young Britons&rsquo; gap year wish list &ndash; Haad Rin beach on Koh Phangan island.</div>
<div>
	Ekkaphan is to be charged with murder and carrying a gun in public.</div>
<div>
	Police said the victims&rsquo; parents would travel to Koh Phangan to pick up their son&rsquo;s body.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>

Thai man charged with murder of British holidaymaker

Police have arrested a 26-year-old Thai man for allegedly killing a British holidaymaker who was caught in the crossfire between two groups of Thai men on the first day of 2013 in Surat Thani's Koh Phangan district.