Jilted boyfriend leaves ex armless

PATHUM THANI: A man allegedly launched a crazed attack on his ex-girlfriend with a sword, severing one of her arms before grabbing the limb and fleeing.

Victim Mali Phuangprachang, who works at a beauty salon, is recovering in Viparam Hospital. The 33-year-old has been left without her right arm and had a huge gash in her face that needed 22 stitches.

Doctors had to perform emergency surgery to reattach her left arm, which was also nearly severed in the attack.

Her current boyfriend, an Englishman identified only as “Mark”, was also injured in the attack.

Police are searching for the attacker, reported to be Miss Mali’s 35-year-old ex-boyfriend Sonthaya Katuphueak.

The attack happened on March 2, after Mrs Mali and Mark had spent the day at a festival at Thupatemi Stadium.

Pavena Hongsakul, founder of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, visited Miss Mali in hospital following the incident.

Mrs Pavena said that when the couple returned to Miss Mali’s apartment, on Lamlukka Road, Miss Mali heard someone calling out her name.

When she turned around, she saw Sonthaya, her ex-boyfriend of more than two years, brandishing a meter-long sword, Mrs Pavena said.

Sonthaya allegedly aimed a blow at Miss Mali’s face. When she put up her hands to protect herself, the sword almost severed both of her arms. He then hacked off her right arm with the sword, she said.

“When she had no arms to defend herself with, Sonthaya slashed at her head with the sword, opening up a wound that needed 22 stitches,” said Mrs Pavena.

“He also hacked at her body in several places. Afterwards he picked up her right arm then ran off with it.”

Miss Mali’s left arm was left hanging by the skin. Doctors performed emergency surgery to reattach the nerves and blood vessels inside the limb.

Mrs Pavena said Mark was also injured in the attack and sent to Bangkok Hospital for treatment. Officials from the British Embassy visited him while he recovered.

Officers from Khukhot Police Station are continuing their search for Mr Sonthaya.