Norwegian dies after knife attack

RAWAI: Police are investigating the murder of a Norwegian man who was stabbed on the road from the Kata Viewpoint to Rawai just after midnight early Sunday morning and later died in hospital.

Chalong Police Superintendent Col Chalit Kaewyarat identified the victim as Simen Sparra Knudsen, a Norwegian who had lived in Phuket for more than 20 years.

Col Chalit said two men attacked Mr Knudsen and left him for dead on the road south from the Kata Viewpoint about 1 am.

He sustained a single stab wound near the heart, Col Chalit said.

Mr Knudsen, 47, was rushed to Phuket International Hospital, where he later died of his injury, he added.

A resident of Rawai Village 7, Mr Knudsen was on his way home by motorbike from a night of socializing in Karon when the attack occurred.

The victim’s widow, 39-year-old Sommai Knudsen, told police she was unaware of any personal disputes that may have motivated the attack.

However, Col Chalit said he thought a personal dispute was the likely cause because Knudsen’s motorcycle and other belongings were all left untouched.

Two suspects had followed Knudsen on a motorbike before the attack, he said.

Col Chalit declined to give further details for fear of jeopardizing the investigation.

Police plan to question the victim’s friends and acquaintances and would likely start in Karon, he said.