Kamalasai: The group of men who assaulted the Dokmai Pennapa team during a traditional long-boat racing festival for the Royal Trophy in Kamalasai District, Kalasin Province, has surrendered.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred when more than 20 shirtless men danced on a loudspeaker during the performance of the Morlam Sing troupe, "Morlam Sing Dokmai Pennapha," also known as "Mae Thap Dokmai." When staff attempted to intervene, the men stormed the backstage area and attacked them, resulting in a commotion.
A viral moment from the altercation featured a tall man in a white shirt using Muay Thai techniques to defend himself against the attackers. This man was identified as Mr. Suthiwat, nicknamed "Saensathan PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym," a former light welterweight champion at Lumpinee Stadium and WBC Muay Thai world champion. As the husband of Dokmai Pennapha, he intervened to protect the team until police temporarily halted the show.
After the situation stabilized, Maethup Dokmai, a female Morlam singer, addressed the incident through a Facebook livestream, expressing her concerns and calling for action against the perpetrators. She highlighted the danger posed by the attackers, who were armed and threatening, and demanded accountability for the damages and threats faced by her team.
Dokmai and Saensathan later provided statements to investigators at Kamalasai Police Station, expressing their intent to pursue legal action. Saensathan recounted witnessing his bodyguard being assaulted and intervening to protect his team, which included several women backstage. The team was escorted to their accommodation by police due to safety concerns.
At 2:00 PM, the group of six men responsible for the incident, namely Mr. Chakkraphong, 26; Mr. Natthaphong, 31; Mr. Chaiwiwat, 35; Mr. Manoon, 26; Mr. Aphisit, 30; and Mr. Supachai, 30, surrendered to the police. They admitted to committing the crime while intoxicated and feeling embarrassed after being banned from dancing on the speakers. Mr. Chaiwiwat, who wielded a knife, apologized on behalf of the group, and they collectively expressed remorse.
The police charged the suspects with causing property damage, joint trespassing, joint assault, and carrying a knife in a community or village with intent to threaten. They were subjected to a urine test for drugs, and additional charges will be filed if necessary before further legal proceedings.