Repairman fatally attacked in Pattaya sparks justice concerns

A repairman was lured to a site by a phone call, only to be ambushed and fatally assaulted. His wife fears justice may not be served and has sought media help. The incident occurred on Friday, August 23 in Chon Buri.

The repairman’s wife, 29 year old Chutikarn reported her husband, 28 year old Natthaphon, the repairman, was attacked and later succumbed to his injuries. The assault took place in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province.

Following the incident, Chutikarn filed a complaint with Nong Prue police but expressed concerns about receiving fair treatment. She appealed to the media to act as an intermediary for the violent event.

According to Chutikarn, she received a call in the middle of the night from an acquaintance informing her that her husband had been attacked and was at the hospital. Medical staff revealed that Natthaphon had suffered severe head trauma, a fractured skull, brain swelling, and internal bleeding.

Chutikarn was informed by her husband’s supervisor that the motive behind the attack was an alleged attempt by Natthaphon to steal money from a coin-operated vending machine. Before the incident, there had been threats warning him to stop this behaviour, or he would be beaten to death.

However, the CCTV footage provided only showed Natthaphon walking and working, not committing any crime. Chutikarn stated that if her husband were guilty, legal proceedings should be pursued transparently.

Conflicting reports

Upon reporting the assault, the investigating officer told Chutikarn that Natthaphon was dragged from his vehicle by the property owner, causing his head to hit the ground, rather than being physically assaulted.

Nonetheless, Chutikarn reviewed the CCTV footage and the injuries her husband sustained, which did not align with the property owner’s account. This discrepancy has made her fear that justice may not be served.

On the day of the incident, 28 year old Nalathawat, who was driving Natthaphon, revealed that Natthaphon had allegedly asked for his help to reach the location where a customer reported a malfunctioning coin-operated vending machine. While en route, the customer hurried them to arrive quickly.

Upon arrival, Natthaphon called the machine’s owner to inform them he had arrived. Before he could start the repairs, three men armed with a shovel and sticks ambushed him.

Caught off guard, Nalathawat fled in panic upon seeing the attackers, leaving Natthaphon behind. It was only later that he learned Natthaphon had been severely injured.

The CCTV footage captured the incident, and Nalathawat plans to provide a statement to the investigators. Meanwhile, Natthaphon’s family is arranging his funeral at a temple in Rayong province, hoping the police will ensure justice for their family, reported KhaoSod.