PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA, THAILAND – A 19-year-old allegedly attacked relatives and neighbours with a knife in a residential complex, killing two people and seriously injuring one.
Deadly dispute in student housing
According to authorities, the incident occurred on 10 January at around 6 p.m. in a dormitory in the Mueang Bang Krasan area of Bang Pa-in district, after an argument between two brothers over cooking rice escalated. The father of the suspect, 56-year-old Wira, said his youngest son Sirimongkol had been alone in the room with his older brother when the conflict broke out. He reported that his son had a history of drug use, including marijuana and other substances, and often showed conspicuous, unpredictable behaviour, suggesting a possible psychotic episode during the attack.
Two women died, brother seriously injured
The attack left 72-year-old Pusadee and 66-year-old Renu fatally injured; both were found at the scene and taken to hospital, where they later died. A third victim, 20-year-old Terdsak, the suspect’s older brother, was seriously wounded and remained under medical treatment. Emergency responders were initially unable to assist the victims because the attacker was still inside the building with the weapon.
Neighbour intervened and gave first aid
Neighbour Songkran, 56, said he heard cries for help and noise from his room.
“When I went to look, I noticed the confrontation,”
said Songkran. He intervened, prompting the 19-year-old to retreat to his room, where Songkran encountered father Wira, who was trying to calm his son.
“I advised him not to continue arguing with him, because Sirimongkol was in an unstable condition,”
said the neighbour. Songkran then provided first aid to one of the victims until rescue workers arrived, and his decisive actions may have prevented further attacks.
Witnesses describe sequence of events
Another witness, In, 46, and a nephew of victim Pusadee, said he had been alerted by residents and immediately took his aunt to a hospital. Based on initial investigations, the incident apparently began with a dispute between the two brothers in their room, after which the suspect allegedly attacked other people in the dormitory, including the two women who later died. Investigators were working to reconstruct the exact sequence of events and were interviewing several witnesses.
Arrest after police negotiations
Police Colonel Phiphop Naputra of Bang Pa-in Police Station said the 19-year-old had barricaded himself in his room with the weapon after the incident. Officers led by Police Lieutenant Thitikorn Julawanit, deputy inspector at Bang Pa-in station, eventually overpowered the young man through negotiations and arrested him without further incident. The suspect was taken into police custody and brought to the station for questioning.
Focus on motive and suspect’s mental health
After the arrest, Sirimongkol made incoherent, confused statements during questioning, Phiphop reported. Investigators believed the argument with his brother was the immediate trigger but pointed to the suspect’s known mental health history linked to substance use. Authorities were examining whether a psychiatric evaluation of the suspect was necessary, after his father had raised the possibility of a psychotic episode related to drug consumption.
Murder and attempted murder charges planned
Police announced they would file charges of premeditated murder and attempted murder.
“The further legal steps will be taken within the framework of the applicable laws,”
said Phiphop. The prosecutor’s office would decide, based on police findings, whether and to what extent to bring charges, with any reduced criminal responsibility potentially affecting the sentence.
Shock in the community
The incident caused grief and shock in the residential complex and surrounding community, where many residents knew the victims personally. Neighbours said there had already been concerns in the past about the suspect’s behaviour. The tragedy raised questions about preventive measures and support for people with mental health issues and substance addictions, and local authorities announced they would support residents in processing the events, including psychosocial care if needed.
Prevention and support services in Thailand
Experts highlighted the importance of early intervention in cases of mental health problems and substance abuse, urging relatives who notice conspicuous behaviour to seek professional help. In Thailand, available services include a mental health hotline (1323), a drug hotline (1165), local psychiatric clinics and health centres, and support groups for relatives of people with addiction disorders. Timely use of these services could help prevent escalations and provide assistance to those affected and their communities.