Drug-fuelled family clash in Phatthalung leads to police intervention

A drug-addicted son clashed with his mother over a broken motorcycle and locked his father in a chokehold, leading to police intervention in Phatthalung yesterday. He was not under the influence of drugs but was merely enraged.

Thawatchai, a 24 year old man, residing in Village 11, Mae Khri subdistrict, Tamot district, Phatthalung province, had a heated argument with his mother over a motorcycle he had used and damaged but refused to repair. The situation escalated to the point where he threatened physical harm.

His father intervened, hitting Thawatchai’s arm with a stick. In anger, Thawatchai retaliated by putting his father in a chokehold and started destroying household items. The family reported the incident to Tamot Police Station.

Police led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Yothaphon Rungsawat, along with officers from the 434th Border Patrol Police Company and special operations police, arrived at the house with a court-issued arrest warrant for Thawatchai.

Upon seeing the officers, Thawatchai attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. He was found holding four methamphetamine tablets, and a stick, possibly intended for hitting his father, was also recovered near the house.

Thawatchai stated during questioning that he did not hit his father with the stick but merely threatened to do so in retaliation for being struck first. He admitted to consuming five methamphetamine tablets daily and claimed that his anger stemmed from being hit by his father and the ensuing argument, rather than drug-induced aggression, reported KhaoSod.

“I didn’t hit my father with the stick. I only raised my hand to hit or punch him because he hit me first,” Thawatchai admitted. “I take five methamphetamine tablets a day, but my anger had nothing to do with the drugs. I was just mad because my father hit me, and we argued.”

Police then escorted Thawatchai to Tamot Police Station to formally arrest him. Upon arrival, he immediately fell asleep at the table. Thawatchai faces two charges as a result of the incident.