PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 56-year-old woman was left with a deep slash to her throat after her husband, reportedly drunk, attacked her with a large knife on 13 October, narrowly missing her windpipe by about two centimetres, police said.
Violent dispute in makeshift lodging
The incident occurred at about 16:00 in a temporary shelter where the couple had been drinking, according to local authorities and the injured woman. Police identified the husband as 55-year-old Mr. Somchat and the victim as a 56-year-old woman, referred to in reports as Ms. S. The couple’s 27-year-old son, Mr. Kittisak, witnessed the attack.
According to the injured woman, the confrontation began after a slap. Kittisak stepped in to protect his mother and pushed his stepfather away, which witnesses said escalated the situation.
Knife attack and narrow escape
Rather than calming down, Mr. Somchat picked up a knife estimated between 20 and 30 centimetres long and initially aimed it at his son. Ms. S threw herself between them and was struck. The blade cut deeply across her throat but missed the trachea by roughly two centimetres, a detail confirmed by rescuers and hospital staff.
“I can no longer endure the abuse,” the injured woman told police at the scene, and she later said she intended to file a full complaint after years of suffering recurring violence.
Son intervened then fled
Kittisak reacted physically, striking his stepfather in a furious response until neighbours intervened to stop the fight. He then left on a motorcycle and rode to a friend’s home to cool down. He spoke to reporters by phone, saying, “His violence against my mother had become unbearable.”
Police said Mr. Somchat appeared remorseful but blamed the confrontation on the son, claiming he had acted in self-defence and that his wife was injured accidentally. Authorities were not persuaded by that account and took him into custody.
Medical treatment and police action
Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation administered first aid at the scene and transported Ms. S to Pattaya Memorial Hospital, where doctors said her injury was serious but not fatal and that she would survive. Officers from Nongprue police station detained Mr. Somchat and escorted him to the station; local reports said he was allowed to rest after being booked.
Police indicated they were awaiting a formal complaint from the victim before pursuing further charges. Ms. S told officers she would press charges this time, saying she had endured more than two years of violent incidents tied to her husband’s drinking.
Wider issue of domestic violence
Officials and local aid groups say domestic violence remains a significant challenge in Thailand, with many victims remaining silent out of fear, shame or financial dependence. This case underlines the risks when abuse escalates while survivors have little recourse.
Authorities said the incident would be investigated and that support services had been notified. The police and hospital statements made clear the immediate focus was on ensuring the victim’s recovery and determining whether prosecution would follow.
As the community reacted to the frightening attack, questions remained over whether Ms. S would pursue the legal case she promised and how local services could better prevent such escalations in future.