Udon thani: A man was apprehended for fatally assaulting "Jay Nong," the owner of a 20-baht sundry goods shop, using a steel hoe in Phen District. The victim's family expressed their outrage and vowed to pursue the death penalty for the perpetrator.
According to Thai News Agency, chaos erupted outside the Phen Police Station as 23-year-old Thanachai, also known as Nai, was escorted by officers to be transported to the Udon Thani Provincial Court. Relatives of the deceased, 59-year-old Ms. Petcharaporn, gathered to confront the suspect, with one niece attempting to strike him with her shoe before being restrained by officers. The family remains adamant in their demand for the death penalty, citing the brutal nature of the crime, which left Ms. Petcharaporn without a chance to plead for her life.
Fearing potential violence from the enraged crowd, police altered the crime reenactment plans, opting to conduct it at the police station instead of the crime scene at Je Nong's shop. This decision was made to prevent mob lynching by the victim's relatives and the local community.
The suspect, in a tearful confession, claimed he intended only to steal money from Ms. Nong. He recounted riding his motorcycle to the shop and attempting to snatch a wallet from the sleeping victim. When Ms. Nong awoke and attempted to defend herself with a hoe, Thanachai struck her on the head, subsequently stealing 600 baht. He expressed remorse, stating his original intent was theft, not harm, and admitted to a prior theft from Ms. Nong, during which he took 20,000 baht to buy a phone for his wife.
The crime came to light when employees discovered Ms. Nong's body with a severe head wound in her shop. A blood-stained hoe was found nearby. CCTV footage captured Thanachai leaving the market at 8:34 PM, providing a crucial lead that led to his arrest. Police charged Thanachai with robbery resulting in death and the illegal use of a Category 1 narcotic.
The Superintendent of the Phen Police Station noted that Thanachai had a history of robbing Ms. Nong on multiple occasions. During interrogation, Thanachai admitted to the crime, explaining that he was driven by financial desperation. The confrontation with Ms. Nong escalated, leading to the fatal assault.
Market vendors, who held Ms. Nong in high regard for her generosity and support, expressed disappointment that the reenactment was canceled. They had hoped to witness the proceedings, reflecting the community's shock and desire for justice. Many vendors echoed the family's call for the death penalty, emphasizing the loss of a beloved community figure.