Bangkok: Pathum Thani: Three young men have been arrested for the fatal stabbing of a 4th-year engineering student, accused of stealing a shop shirt. The incident, which took place on the Saphan Fa overpass on Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road in Thanyaburi District, has led to a confession from the main suspect, a 16-year-old, who expressed regret and a desire to apologize to the victim's family. The youth also mentioned plans to ordain as a monk following his release from prison.
According to Thai News Agency, the victim, identified as Thanat, was a 26-year-old civil engineering student with only two subjects left to complete his degree. His father revealed that Thanat had taken a break from his studies following his mother's death during his first year, and had been subjected to bullying by peers. The father expressed disbelief that such a violent incident could occur over a shop shirt.
In a press conference held on April 13, the Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station announced the arrest of three youths involved in the crime, aged 16, 17, and 18. Authorities confiscated items linked to the incident, including a sharp metal rod used as a weapon, the deceased's shop shirt, and two motorcycles.
Pol. Col. Yuthana Jonkhun, Commander of Pathum Thani Provincial Police, stated that the suspects confessed to pursuing Thanat after an altercation involving their motorcycles. The group encountered Thanat at the foot of the Saphan Fa overpass, where the 16-year-old suspect admitted to stabbing him in the chest. Following the assault, the group reportedly continued to participate in Songkran festivities.
The youth responsible for the stabbing admitted to acting on impulse and expressed remorse, indicating a wish to make amends by ordaining as a monk after serving his sentence. He carried an iron rod for self-defense at the time of the incident and now faces charges of 'jointly killing another person.'
In response to the swift police action that led to the arrests, Mr. Thirasak, the victim's father, visited the police station to express his gratitude, presenting a gift basket to the officers for their efforts in apprehending those responsible for his son's death.