Bangkok security guard arrested for fatal stabbing over traffic cones
A security guard was arrested after fatally stabbing an elderly caregiver following a dispute over traffic cones in Bangkok’s Thawi Watthana district. The incident occurred yesterday, August 29, at Pin Klao Nakorn 2 Village, Soi Phutthamonthon Sai 2.
Police Lieutenant Weerawit Tasanapinyoyo received a call about a fatal stabbing at 5pm. The altercation took place in front of house number 25/9. The victim, 55 year old Pakakrong Thonglek, was found dead at the scene. She was a caregiver for elderly individuals, originally from Kalasin province.
Pakakrong’s body was discovered lying in a pool of blood, having been stabbed 11 times. Nearby, a blood-stained knife was recovered.
The assailant, 56 year old Somdet Praenfang, a security guard at the village, waited at the scene to surrender himself to the police. Initial investigations revealed that Pakakrong had been a caregiver at house number 25/28 for approximately two years. Recently, road repairs were being carried out in front of this house, involving the laying of asphalt and the placement of traffic cones to allow it to dry.
Somdet, who had been working as a security guard in the village for just over a year, frequently argued with Pakakrong. The day before the incident, Somdet attempted to remove the traffic cones, claiming the asphalt had dried. Pakakrong opposed this, leading to a heated argument.
Yesterday, as Pakakrong was pushing an elderly person in a wheelchair along with a young female relative near the scene, Somdet approached her with a knife. Witnesses reported hearing him shout, “I’m going to kill you,” before stabbing her multiple times. After the attack, Somdet waited for the police to arrive and was taken into custody.
The police charged Somdet with intentional murder and possession of a weapon in public without permission. He was taken to Thammasala Police Station for further questioning. Pakakrong’s body was sent to Siriraj Hospital’s forensic department for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Her relatives have been contacted to arrange her funeral rites.
A local expressed shock over the incident.
“They always seemed to have minor disputes, but no one expected it to escalate to such a violent outcome.”
Another witness, who saw the altercation unfold, described the scene.
“It happened so quickly. One moment she was pushing the wheelchair, and the next, he was upon her with a knife. It was terrifying.”
Police are now investigating further to understand the full circumstances leading up to the tragic event, reported KhaoSod.
“We heard the arguments, but never thought it would come to this. It’s a small community, and everyone knows each other. This is a tragedy for all of us.”