Thai man kills drug-addicted brother after attack on mother

A Thai man stabbed his drug-addicted younger brother to death after he attempted to physically assault his mother at home in the Isaan province of Buriram.

Chumsaeng Police Station officers arrested the 32 year old suspect, Weera “Khao” Turam, and accompanied him to the police station for questioning. Khao admitted to stabbing to death his drug-addicted brother, 29 year old Danuphon “Tom” Turam, at about 4pm on Sunday, July 14.

Khao explained that Tom was seriously addicted to methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, and took eight to ten tablets per day. He was a known alcoholic as well. His mother, 59 year old Chanta Turam, gave him money to buy drugs and alcohol but he always complained it was never enough.

On the day of the incident, Tom demanded money from his mother again and attempted to attack her when she could not find any money for him. Khao intervened in the incident to protect his mother, making Tom turn his attention to Khao instead.

Khao admitted that he could no longer bear his brother’s behaviour and was furious, so he grabbed a folding knife and stabbed his brother multiple times until he died at the scene.

Chanta told Channel 3 that Khao used to work as an engineer for a well-known company but he resigned to take care of her. Chanta said her younger son asked her for at least 200 baht per day.

Knife attack

According to Chanta, Tom asked for five bottles of alcohol and 13 Yaba tablets but she could not afford it. During a physical altercation, Khao killed Tom in self-defence after his brother attempted to attack him with a kitchen knife. Khao managed to reach a nearby folding knife before Tom.

Chanta added that Tom had forced her to borrow money from neighbours to buy alcohol and drugs. She is now uncertain how she will repay these debts, as Khao has been sent to jail.

The deputy community leader, 55 year old Pao Saendee, revealed in an interview with Channel 3 that Chanta has two grandchildren, aged seven and 13. Pao expressed concern that Chanta would be unable to afford to care for the two children.

Channel 3 reported that Pao spoke in tears, saying that he felt sorry for the family. He previously asked police officers to take Tom to a rehabilitation centre but officers only took him to a hospital for a few days and released him until this tragic incident took place.