The incident occurred at around 1:30pm near a grocery store in Soi Hon Sai Thong, Moo 3, Ratsada. The victim, Chatuchok Thinrit, a local resident, was found unconscious with a stab wound below his right breast and was bleeding heavily.
Rescue workers from Ratsada Municipality and an EMS Advanced unit transported Mr. Chatuchok to the Provincial Administrative Organisation Hospital, where CPR was administered. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead due to the severity of his injuries.
Police launched an immediate investigation, reviewing nearby CCTV footage to identify the attacker. By that evening, officers from Phuket City Police had seized a white and red Honda Scoopy motorcycle, believed to have been used in the attack.
The suspect, identified only as ‘Mr Mos’, later contacted police and agreed to surrender.
Phuket City Police Chief Pol Col Chatree Chueakaew along with senior investigators, received the suspect at Soi 7, Noen Sai Thong in the Ratsada area before escorting him to the police station for questioning.
Initial findings suggest a personal dispute may have led to the fatal confrontation. According to police, the victim, Mr Chatuchok, had previously caused disturbances at a sweet drink shop operated by the suspect’s sister. On the day of the incident, she allegedly called her brother for help after the victim reportedly shouted abuse and acted aggressively near the shop.
The suspect’s sister, who asked to be identified only as ‘Ms Ann’, 20, told reporters she had been alone at the shop when Mr Chatuchok began shouting and appeared to be holding a metallic object. Afraid for her safety, she hid and called her brother.
“I was shaking and crying. He looked like he was trying to come into the shop,” she said through tears. “I just wanted someone to help me”.
She said her brother arrived shortly after but did not initially see the victim. It remains unclear exactly where the fatal encounter occurred, but the two are believed to have argued before the stabbing took place.
Ms Ann apologised to the victim’s family and the public, saying her brother acted out of fear and concern for her safety. “He lost control because he thought I was going to be harmed. He loves me so much,” she said, offering a wai and tearful apology.
Police have initially charged the suspect with assault causing death. The investigation is ongoing.