Loan sharks attack victim faces charges after defending himself

A gang of loan sharks mistakenly attacked a 56 year old man at his home in Nonthaburi, leading him to defend himself. Ultimately, he is now at risk of facing legal action despite being the victim.

Athiwat Sirikangwalwong, founder of the Dare to Step page, arrived to investigate the incident after receiving a complaint from Aran. The incident began when a group of loan sharks armed with knives illegally entered Aran’s home in Saothonghin, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi.

Aran was injured during the attack but managed to wrestle a knife away from the attackers and fight back, causing the loan sharks to flee, leaving behind their knives, helmets, and a motorcycle.

Police arrived at the scene, seizing the motorcycle as evidence. Later, the loan sharks approached the Bang Yai Police Station, seeking a settlement with Aran. They offered to forgive a debt of 10,000 baht (US$300) taken by Aran’s girlfriend, Oi, and cover his medical expenses in exchange for not pursuing legal action. They arranged to meet again on September 10 to formalise the settlement.

When the agreed-upon meeting date arrived, the loan sharks reneged on their promise to provide compensation. Instead, the police at Bang Yai station warned Aran that if he pursued charges against the loan sharks, he too would face charges for displaying a firearm. Aran felt this was unjust, given he was the victim of a home invasion, supported by CCTV footage showing the attack.

Aran recounted that on August 27, he was at home working when the loan sharks first arrived to demand repayment from Oi. After a heated exchange, the loan sharks left but returned two hours later with seven men on four motorcycles, armed with knives.

Loan sharks

They attacked Aran, who fought back in self-defence, managing to grab a knife and chase them away, leaving one motorcycle behind. Aran sustained a knife wound to his right hand.

Following the incident, police arranged a mediation session with the loan sharks, led by Thatchakorn, and six others. They initially agreed to cover Aran’s medical expenses and forgive Oi’s debt but later reneged.

When Aran sought justice, the police threatened him with charges for allegedly brandishing a firearm, based on CCTV footage. Aran insisted he had no firearm, only the knife he had taken from the attackers.

Aran expressed disappointment with the police, who seemed to side against him despite clear evidence of the attack. He questioned the police’s claim of having footage showing him with a gun, which they refused to show him.

Aran reviewed all available footage and found no evidence of anyone holding a gun. He believes the police’s claim was an attempt to coerce him into dropping the case against the loan sharks, possibly due to their connections.

Determined to fight for justice, Aran plans to pursue legal action against the loan sharks with the help of a lawyer. He insists on holding the gang accountable for their violent invasion and refuses to be wrongfully charged, reported KhaoSod.

Athiwat, from Dare to Step, noted the clear evidence of Aran being the victim and questioned why the police were treating him as a suspect. He has contacted Police Major General Prathana Panpha, the Provincial Police Commander, to expedite the case against the seven loan sharks and ensure justice for Aran.