Thirayut Thammapetch, 43, grandson of Phatthalung Town Mayor Kraiwat Thammapetch, turned himself in at Phuket City Police Station just after midday yesterday (Oct 3), accompanied by his lawyer.
Thirayut had been named as the prime suspect in the late-night stabbing attack on Kantawee Preecha at the Rhythm pub on Tilok U-Thit 1 Rd on Wednesday (Oct 1).
CCTV footage showed the victim being stabbed several times before the attacker fled in a new white BMW Z4, which was later abandoned and seized as evidence.
Phuket City Police Chief Pol Col Chatree Chukaew confirmed that Thirayut presented himself directly to him before being handed over to Pol Lt Col Udom Petcharat for formal interrogation. He was questioned for more than two hours, during which he admitted owning the knife but denied the charge of attempted murder.
Police subsequently executed an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court on Thursday (Oct 2), charging Thirayut with attempted murder and carrying a knife in a public place without reasonable cause.
Col Chatree told reporters that the suspect has so far declined to provide further details about the incident, insisting the matter was personal and that no one else was involved.
“The suspect has denied the attempted murder charge. He has the right not to answer questions. Investigators will continue questioning him and gathering evidence,” Col Chatree said.
The victim, Mr Kantawee, from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, suffered stab wounds to his neck, chest and arm. He was rushed to Bangkok Hospital Phuket by friends and remains in stable condition.
Police investigations are ongoing as officers continue to establish the full motive behind the violent attack.