Phuket City Police were called to the restaurant at 4:30am yesterday after the staffer, Manoch ‘Tee’ Khamkaew, 31, had been rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital.
Mr Manoch had suffered three stab wounds. Despite doctor’s efforts, he died at about 6am.
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum said the restaurant was closed at the time of the incident.
A group of about seven to eight service staff, both women and men, were sitting and chatting in front of the venue when a man, Abhisit Iam-aksorn, arrived on a Honda Wave motorbike.
Abhisit approached and started arguing with Mr Manoch, apparently over Abhisit being jealous of Mr Manoch. Mr Manoch was the ex-boyfriend of Abhisit’s new girlfriend.
A fight ensued during which Mr Manoch used a bottle to hit Abhisit once. Abhisit then pulled out a knife and stabbed Mr Manoch three times. Mr Manoch fell to the ground and Abhisit fled on his motorbike.
Police checked CCTV in the area and managed to track down Abhisit to a house in Kathu, where officers apprehended him, Maj Gen Sinlert said.
Abhisit was taken to Phuket City Police Station to face charges for the killing, Maj Gen Sinlert added.