Pathum Thani man murders neighbour over dog barking

A man has confessed to the brutal murder of a school van driver in Pathum Thani, driven by long-standing resentment over a dispute involving a dog. The suspect refused to reenact the crime, fearing retaliation from the victim’s family.

Police in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani, discovered the body of 61 year old Wongduean, a school van driver, who had been viciously attacked with a knife, leaving him nearly decapitated. The incident occurred near a house by the Lam Luk Ka Canal in Bueng Kham Phroi. The attacker was identified as 58 year old Panya.

Police officers from Lam Luk Ka today, July 18, revealed that following the incident, investigations led them to believe the suspect had fled to Chaiyaphum province. The court subsequently issued an arrest warrant based on substantial evidence linking him to the crime. Collaboration between the Lam Luk Ka and Chaiyaphum police forces resulted in Panya’s arrest.

During initial questioning, Panya confessed to the crime. The motive stemmed from a long-standing dispute between the two households, which were approximately 20 metres apart. Initially, the two men had a cordial relationship. However, tensions escalated as the dog at Panya’s house would bark at Wongduean every time he walked by.

Wongduean’s habit of cursing the dog was perceived by Panya as an indirect insult to him. The situation had been brewing for some time, with neither man directly confronting the other until the day of the incident.

On the fateful day, Wongduean walked past Panya’s house, leading to a verbal altercation. Wongduean then walked back to his own house but the argument had already ignited a long-simmering rage in Panya.

Panya decided to confront Wongduean at his house, reigniting their quarrel. During this heated exchange, Wongduean fell into a water channel beneath a tree. Standing above him, Panya, in a fit of rage, used a machete to strike Wongduean multiple times. After the attack, Panya returned home, changed his clothes, and fled the scene.

Police have charged Panya with intentional homicide. He has requested not to participate in a crime reenactment due to fear of retaliation from Wongduean’s family, reported KhaoSod.