Police were alerted to the incident at approximately 10:45pm, with the fight taking place at the entrance to a hotel staff dormitory on Patak Rd in Karon.
Upon arrival, officers found two men seriously injured from stab wounds. Both were rushed to Chalong Hospital. One of the men, later identified as Paeng Htet Naing, was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The second man, Ye Min Tun, who was placed on a ventilator, succumbed to his injuries around 3am.
An initial investigation revealed that the altercation stemmed from a personal dispute. According to witness Ms Ei Ei Moe, the two men had arranged to meet to discuss a romantic relationship with the same woman. The discussion quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.
Ms Ei Ei Moe further stated that Mr Htet Bhome Hlaing, Mr Paeng Htet Naing’s younger brother, attempted to intervene and was injured in the foot during the fight. He is currently receiving treatment and will be questioned by police once his condition allows.
Pol Lt Col Wivat Chamnankit, Chief of Investigation at Karon Police Station, confirmed that the men attacked each other with a long, sharp knife and were found lying in pools of blood when emergency responders arrived.
“This was a tragic case of personal conflict that turned deadly. Our preliminary understanding is that the dispute was over a love affair,” he said.
This morning, reporters visiting the scene found traces of blood still visible. Relatives of the deceased had returned to the site to pay respects by offering food, water and lighting incense.
Police are continuing their investigation and gathering further witness statements to formally conclude the case.