The suspect, Prapan Chukaew, from Phatthalung, was taken into custody on yesterday afternoon (Oct 15) at a rest area beside Phuket City Police Station on Yaowarat Rd in Phuket Town.
His arrest followed a provincial court warrant issued earlier that day, charging him with causing death by inflicting injury without intent to kill, confirmed Pol Lt Col Rachat Phromkhun, Deputy Inspector of Wichit Police Station.
The incident took place at about 6pm on Tuesday at the B-House Apartment in Wichit. Police said Prapan forced his way into the ground-floor unit occupied by his ex-wife, Phonphat Phanmani, 46, from Trang, and her new boyfriend, Woraphong Panthuta, 59.
According to police reports, Prapan first attacked Ms Phonphat by grabbing her by the neck and starting to choke her before turning on Mr Woraphong, who was severely beaten and lost consciousness. Prapan then fled the scene on his motorcycle.
Ms Phonphat called the emergency hotline 1669 for help. Rescue workers from Wichit Municipality and the Vachira Phuket Hospital EMS Advance Unit arrived quickly and rushed Mr. Woraphong to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at 7:45pm.
Officers, led by Wichit Police Chief Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang, launched a manhunt through the night. The suspect was tracked down and arrested less than 24 hours later.
Prapan was taken to Wichit Police Station for questioning and charged under Section 290 of the Criminal Code for causing death by physical assault. Police are preparing the case for further legal proceedings.
Pol Lt Col Rachat said jealousy appeared to be the motive behind the fatal attack.