SATTAHIP, THAILAND – A former assistant village head allegedly broke into a local journalist’s home in Sattahip at night and threatened him and his family, prompting press freedom concerns.
Break-in at 3 a.m. – Fence destroyed, house stormed
According to residents, an armed man with “uncontrolled behavior” appeared in Sattahip around 3 a.m. on 14 March and damaged the front fence of a residential property. Investigators said the intruder then entered the property and moved toward the bedroom door, shouting insults and issuing death threats.
Police described the incident as a serious violation of the home’s security. The case drew immediate attention from the Pattaya Journalists Association and local authorities, who viewed it as an attack on media safety.
Evidence inside the house – from sliding door to bedroom door
At the scene, officers found a visibly damaged front fence that, in their assessment, might have been smashed with a tool. Investigators also noted signs of tampering on a glass sliding door.
They documented footprints leading up to the bedroom and a battered bedroom door with a hole that allegedly resulted from the forced entry. The Sattahip Police Station continued to collect forensic details to reconstruct the intruder’s path through the property.
Family inside – child reportedly in shock
At the time of the intrusion, local journalist Ekkasit (surname not consistently published for privacy reasons), his wife and their young daughter were inside the bedroom. Reports stated that the family experienced intense fear during the incident.
According to those reports, the child is believed to have suffered a severe shock. The family later went temporarily into hiding, citing concerns for their safety.
CCTV and witnesses – motorcycle heading toward the house
In the afternoon, Pol. Col. Khomsan Kham Tuen Kaew, chief of the Sattahip Police Station, ordered a review of nearby CCTV cameras. The operation on site was coordinated by Pol. Lt. Col. Kriangkrai Mi Saeng and his team.
Footage from around 3:18 a.m. reportedly showed a motorcycle entering the soi in the direction of the house shortly before the commotion on the property. Investigators said they were analyzing the images in detail to identify the rider and confirm the sequence of events.
Neighbor’s account – ten minutes of chaos, then escape
A neighbor told investigators that the motorcyclist parked near the house before destroying the fence, shouting loudly and gaining access. The disturbance reportedly lasted around ten minutes.
After that, the man fled on the motorcycle, according to the witness. Police were taking additional statements from nearby residents to corroborate the timeline.
Suspect known – previous online threats reported
The alleged perpetrator was identified in several reports as Adisak, also referred to by the initials “MT.” He was described as a former assistant village head who had supported local election campaigns and was considered well connected.
Police said the journalist had previously filed complaints over online threats and harassment on social media. Despite those reports, the situation escalated into a physical attack, and the precise motive behind the intrusion remained unclear.
Journalists’ demand – protecting press freedom
The Pattaya Journalists Association condemned the incident as an assault on press freedom and on the safety of media workers.
“The incident is a direct threat to press freedom and the security of media personnel, and we demand a swift arrest and resolute prosecution.”
said the Pattaya Journalists Association.
Investigators stated they were continuing to collect witness testimony and review the video material. As of the latest information, no arrest had been reported and the investigation was ongoing.