Teenagers assault Thai actor after Bangkok market row
CCTV footage raises questions about who started the altercation
Police arrested two Thai teenagers for allegedly physically assaulting a well-known actor near Khlong Thom Plaza in Bangkok yesterday. One of the suspects reportedly said, “I know I’m just a child, but I would never have acted this way if the adult hadn’t started it.”
Officers from Phlapphla Chai 1 Police Station accompanied the 69 year old actor, Saphatchanon Cespedes, known in the industry as Toon Huranyasap, to the station at around 3pm yesterday, June 11.
The two alleged attackers, identified as 17 year old Em and 19 year old Chart, were arrested and brought to the station around the same time.
Toon explained that he was walking in a narrow alley beside Khlong Thom Plaza with his family while they were looking for a light bulb to purchase. During this time, a vendor approached and greeted him, recognising him as a well-known actor.
While speaking with the vendor, Toon reportedly overheard a teenage boy behind him say, “An actor? I’d never know he’s a celebrity.”
Toon said he turned to the teenager and asked him to watch his words and speak to adults with respect.
He claimed the teenager then punched him in the eye. As that eye was already blind, Toon said he was unable to dodge the blow. Witnesses called the police and encouraged both parties to resolve the matter at the station.
Em and Chart stated that they worked at an electronics shop near the vendor who greeted Toon. The shop owner reportedly asked Em if he recognised Toon, to which Em truthfully replied that he did not.
Em alleged that Toon immediately confronted him after overhearing this response. He claimed Toon spoke harshly to him.
“Who said they don’t know me? Who? If you don’t know who I am, then just shut up. Be careful, you might not live long if you speak like that. You should speak politely to customers.”
Em said Toon continued berating him, although he could not recall all the details. He claimed he did not retaliate, instead raising his hands in a respectful wai and attempting to walk away. However, Toon allegedly grabbed his arms twice, causing him to fall.
Em then attacked Toon following the fall. Chart, who witnessed the altercation, then stepped in to defuse the situation.
Em insisted that neither he nor Chart ganged up on Toon or initiated the conflict. Toon’s wife also attacked both of them at the scene. Em reiterated…
“I know I’m just a child, but I would never have acted this way if the adult hadn’t started it.”
Police instructed both parties to undergo medical examinations at a hospital and submit the results. Both are expected to be summoned later for further legal proceedings.
Toon added that he had always been treated respectfully throughout his career and that this was the first time he had been physically assaulted. He expressed dismay at what he perceived as a lack of respect among the younger generation.
He acknowledged that the teenagers might not have recognised him but insisted they should have spoken about him more respectfully. Toon vowed to pursue the case fully to set an example for other youths.
Many netizens expressed disapproval of the violence, stating that no issue should be resolved through physical conflict. However, CCTV footage reportedly showed Toon pushing the teenager in the chest multiple times as well.
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