Thai man claims self-defence after stabbing singer in Bangkok petrol station
Fans defend singer until full video of incident shifts public opinion
A Thai man claimed self-defence after stabbing a popular Thai singer at a petrol station in Ramkhamhaeng, Bangkok, yesterday, August 3.
The well-known singer, 40 year old Palitchoke “Peck” Ayanaputra, was rushed to Samitivej Hospital at around 1.30am with a stab wound to his chin. The incident occurred at a petrol station in Soi Ramkhamhaeng 76, in the Bang Kapi district of Bangkok.
A Thai woman alerted Hua Mak Police Station officers, requesting the arrest of her boyfriend, 21 year old Chutithep, following the stabbing. The 20-centimetre knife used in the attack was handed over to police as evidence.
Chutithep claimed he attacked Peck because he believed the singer was mentally ill. He said he saw Peck jump onto the bonnet of a moving pickup and engage in a heated argument with the driver, prompting him to intervene with good intentions to de-escalate the situation.
According to Chutithep, Peck then turned on him and punched him once, prompting him to retaliate. He claimed he punched Peck back and then used a knife, insisting he did so only to stop the altercation, not to cause serious harm.
Chutithep also claimed he was unaware Peck was a celebrity until his girlfriend contacted the police. He expressed remorse for the incident and admitted that the use of the knife was excessive. He then asked his girlfriend to call the police and turned himself in.
Chutithep’s girlfriend corroborated his account, stating that her boyfriend only intended to assist the pickup driver and did not intend to cause injury.
Fans of the injured singer expressed disbelief at Chutithep’s claims, insisting Peck would not act in such a manner. Many condemned the attacker and demanded that both the police and the petrol station owner release CCTV footage of the incident.
The footage was eventually released and initially appeared to support Chutithep’s account. It showed Peck running on a public road before jumping onto the bonnet of a pickup truck. The driver then drove into the petrol station and got out to confront Peck.
Peck was seen apologising to the driver and embracing him. However, the confrontation escalated when Peck turned and punched Chutithep. A physical altercation followed, during which Chutithep pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed Peck. He then stomped on the singer several times.
Chutithep later claimed that Peck’s chauffeur informed him the singer had been under the influence of alcohol at the time. This claim has not yet been confirmed by Peck, his manager, or the police.
The record labels White Music and GMM Music issued an official statement confirming that Peck is in stable condition and under close medical supervision. They clarified that the injury did not affect his facial or oral nerves, but that he requires antiseptic treatment and ongoing medical care.
Thai Rath reported that Peck has declined to speak to police or the media for the time being. Police have filed two charges against Chutithep, including:
- Section 371 of the Criminal Law: Carrying a weapon in a public place without a valid reason. The penalty is a fine of up to 100 baht, and the weapon will be confiscated.
- Section 295 of the Criminal Law: physical assault causing injury to another person, either physically or mentally. The penalty is up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.
Latest Thailand News
Follow The Thaiger on Google News:
