Thai man punches neighbour to death after conflict over dog waste

A Thai man reportedly punched his neighbour to death on the side of the road in the northern province of Lampang after a dispute over dog waste. The killer claimed he acted in self-defence.

Mueang Lampang Police Station officers and a rescue team rushed to the scene on Lampang-Ngao road at 7.45am today, December 1. The deceased, 68 year old Chanadate Praharnkhasuek, was found lifeless by the roadside.

The killer, a 54 year old man named Autsawin Wattanachot, was waiting for police at the scene.

Autsawin provided context for the incident, stating that before the attack his mother had walked her dog past Chanadate’s house in the morning. At that time, he scolded her, insisting that she stopped walking the dog past his residence due to concerns about dog excrement littering the area.

Autsawin explained that upon learning of the complaint, he became angered. Subsequently, he approached the elderly man to discuss the matter, leading to an escalating argument that ultimately resulted in Chanadate hitting him with a shovel.

Autsawin said that he was hit on his arm and responded by repeatedly punching Chanadate in the face until Chanadate fell to the ground. Autsawin insisted that the act was self-defence.

Police took Autsawin to the police station for further questioning. Officers suspected that Autsawin may have used a shovel or another weapon to kill the old man. Chanadate’s body was taken to Lampang Hospital for an autopsy to determine whether he died from a physical or weapon attack.

Conflicts with neighbours are common and range from simple arguments and rows to something more serious, such as murder.

In May, a Thai singer filed a complaint against his neighbour after five years of her disturbing behaviour. The woman smashed his car with a hammer, threw urine and faeces at his house and attacked his employee with liquid acid.

Another Thai woman lost her life in a brutal attack by a male neighbour in July. The attacker repeatedly hit her with a hammer outside a condominium near Bangkok. He even dragged the victim out of the flat and continued the attack. The killer claimed he killed the woman because of his annoying behaviour and her refusal to move out of the condo.