Family feud turns fatal: Phuket man killed with pick axe handle

A man in Phuket was fatally attacked with a pick axe handle by a relative, leaving him dead at the scene. The attacker claimed the assault was in self-defence and awaited police to turn himself in.

At 2pm yesterday, October 20, Weerayut Tanyasirisunwornkul, an investigator from Phuket City Police Station, received a report of a man being assaulted and killed in his home in Moo 7, Ratsada subdistrict, Mueang district, Phuket. Medical personnel from Vachira Phuket Hospital, along with police officers and rescue volunteers from Kusoldharm Foundation, were promptly dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, police and rescue units found the lifeless body of 37 year old Mute, a Myanmar national, lying face down in a pool of blood. His head and neck bore severe injuries, indicating he had been struck with a hard object.

Nearby, officers discovered a 50-centimetre-long axe handle stained with blood, which was collected as evidence. The suspect, 42 year old Neto, a Myanmar national and a relative of the victim, was present at the scene and surrendered to the police.

During the investigation, Neto claimed that both he and Mute had illegally entered Thailand to seek employment. Neto alleged that Mute had previously struck him on the head with a piece of wood. Fearing that Mute would attack him again, Neto said he preemptively struck Mute with the axe handle, resulting in Mute’s death.

Neto explained his actions were driven by fear for his own life. He was taken into custody for further questioning and charged accordingly. The victim’s body was transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital, awaiting family members to collect and perform the necessary funeral rites.

In a separate statement, Neto expressed his fear and desperation, emphasising that he believed he had no other option but to defend himself. The police will continue to investigate the incident to ascertain the full details and circumstances leading up to the fatal altercation, reported KhaoSod.