KHLONG LUANG, THAILAND – A 42-year-old factory worker died after a knife attack during a company Songkran celebration in Pathum Thani, and police charged two colleagues in connection with the incident.
Incident at Songkran gathering in Khlong Luang
The altercation took place at a production facility in Tambon Khlong Nueng in the Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani province. The gathering was a company event to mark the Songkran festival, held after salary payments and before the holiday break.
According to police, several of the roughly six to seven workers present became involved in an argument that turned physical. The 42-year-old worker, identified as Thepphaiwan, was injured and died at the scene. Rescue personnel were unable to revive him despite immediate first aid.
Police respond to report of brawl
Police Sub-Lieutenant Chalad Homngoen from the investigation division of Khlong Luang Police Station said officers were called to the factory after a report of a violent confrontation. The victim was found in the area used for cooling equipment production.
Officers secured the crime scene and launched an investigation. At the same time, they reviewed images from factory surveillance cameras to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Two suspects identified and arrested
Based on the video review and further inquiries, police identified two suspects: Preecha (43) and Sombat (37), whose surnames were not released. Sombat was initially checked at the site, where bloodstains were found on his clothing.
Both men were taken to the investigation division of Khlong Luang Police Station for questioning. There, officers showed them the surveillance footage, after which they each confirmed their involvement in the attack, according to police.
Sequence of events according to suspects
According to Sombat’s statement to police, the evening began as a casual gathering. A verbal dispute developed between him and the later victim and escalated into a physical fight. Preecha then intervened and allegedly attacked Thepphaiwan with a knife.
Police said the weapon was found outside the factory compound next to a wall. Preecha led officers to the location, and the knife was seized as evidence.
Charges filed as inquiries continue
Charges were brought against Preecha and Sombat. The precise legal classification of the offense and the further procedural steps would follow the applicable law, Khlong Luang Police Station stated. The case remained under active investigation.
The incident was linked to alcohol consumption at the company event. Thai security agencies regularly regard such situations around the Songkran festival as carrying a heightened risk of conflict. Specific prevention measures by the company involved were not yet known.
Background: Violence and alcohol during holidays
Songkran is one of Thailand’s most significant social festivals and is traditionally accompanied by extended celebrations. Authorities and occupational safety organisations regularly highlight the increased number of alcohol-related incidents during this period.
Under Thai law, employers are required to provide a safe working environment. Whether any corporate safety obligations were breached in this case was part of the ongoing investigation.
“The case is being handled in accordance with legal provisions, and the investigation into all relevant circumstances is continuing.”
said Chalad Homngoen, police sub-lieutenant at the Khlong Luang investigation division.