Disabled Thai man reenacts fatal stabbing of village headman

In Udon Thani, police detained a 37 year old man in a wheelchair to reenact the crime after confessing to stabbing a village headman to death. He wept and apologised to the deceased and his family.

Officers led by Deputy Police Chief Chakaj Tiamwong and Superintendent Navakit Nawakanpanit arrested Atthaphon, known as Aua, from Ban Charoensuk, Moo 2, Nangua subdistrict, Nam Som district. He was taken to reenact his crime at Wang Duean Ha Noodle Shop on Liap Mueang Road, Moo 8, Ban Srisamran, Ban Phue subdistrict, following his confession.

The incident occurred when Atthaphon, in a manic episode, exposed himself before grabbing a kitchen knife from the noodle shop and stabbing Chin Thongthip, the 55 year old village headman of Moo 2, Ban Thon. Chin was on the phone, reporting the situation to the police when he was attacked and later died at Ban Phue Hospital.

Police had to shoot Atthaphon three times to subdue him, hitting his knees and shins. Around 20 villagers witnessed the reenactment, which took about 20 minutes. During this, Atthaphon sat in a wheelchair, hands in a prayer gesture, crying, and apologising to the deceased and his relatives, accepting full responsibility for his actions.

CCTV footage from a nearby cow enclosure captured parts of the incident, showing Atthaphon stabbing Chin repeatedly before a villager intervened with a bamboo stick. The police then had to fire warning shots into the sky before shooting Atthaphon in the legs as he charged at them with the knife.

Superintendent Navakit later visited the victim’s home to pay respects at the coffin, expressing condolences to Chin’s family. Chin had only been in his position for eight months, fulfilling his dream of serving the community. Navakit discussed the case with Chin’s wife, 51 year old Chutima Thongthip, who confirmed that Atthaphon had confessed to the crime, attributing his actions to a psychotic episode.

Fatal stabbing

Chutima shared that her husband had worked tirelessly in his role and had always aspired to help the community. He had received commendations from his superiors for his dedication.

She noted that since his passing, she had been unable to sleep well and had not felt his presence or seen him in dreams, suggesting he might not yet realise he had passed away. The funeral is set for tomorrow.

Superintendent Navakit revealed that Atthaphon had confessed to all charges, initially booked for intentional murder. However, after further investigation and witness testimonies, the charge was upgraded to murder of an official in the line of duty.

When the police arrived at the scene, they found Atthaphon straddling Chin, repeatedly stabbing him. Despite commands to stop, Atthaphon continued his attack until the police fired warning shots. When these had no effect, they shot Atthaphon’s legs to prevent further escalation.

Atthaphon’s medical history showed no record of psychiatric treatment, only drug rehabilitation twice. Post-rehabilitation, he resumed drug use, leading to previous arrests for drug-related offences and assaulting his father, serving over two years in prison. He was later pardoned and released, facing family issues that exacerbated his stress, reported KhaoSod.

A hospital drug test conducted by the police found no drugs in his system. However, it is suspected that prolonged drug use may have impaired his brain function, causing his erratic behaviour. During questioning, Atthaphon could only provide brief responses, indicating significant cognitive impairment.