BURIRAM, THAILAND – A 31-year-old man was charged with attempted murder after injuring his two dependent grandmothers in his care on 15 April 2026.
The incident in Lam Plai Mat
The events took place on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, at a house in Moo 2, Lam Plai Mat, in Buriram province. Police arrested the 31-year-old suspect, known as “Jack”, shortly after the incident. The two victims, Mrs. Rod, 81, and Mrs. Chalaem, 87, were injured and taken to hospital.
According to the report, Mrs. Rod was immobile and bedridden, while Mrs. Chalaem had physical impairments. Both elderly women were under the care of the suspect, who lived in the household and managed its finances.
Dispute over household funds and investigation findings
Police stated that the violence was preceded by an argument over cash. The suspect demanded money, and the women refused, after which the confrontation escalated. Officers documented that both women showed injuries.
Investigators classified the case as attempted murder, and the suspect remained in custody as the investigation continued. Preliminary checks showed that the man had previously been prosecuted several times for other offences, with several violent crimes recorded in his file, leading police to treat his past as a serious risk factor in the case.
Role of the suspect in the household
The suspect had acted as caregiver for the two women and managed the household budget. The home was funded through state benefits, including pensions and disability allowances. Police reported that disputes over this money had occurred repeatedly.
A 50-year-old neighbour told investigators that the suspect used drugs and that the household cash was often depleted. The neighbour also said the suspect had pressured the older woman to borrow money from neighbours, highlighting repeated financial strain in the family.
Statement of the suspect
After his arrest, the suspect admitted to the incident. He told officers he had fallen into financial difficulties and felt under pressure. He also said he had felt overwhelmed by his caregiving duties.
The suspect stated that his mother had not helped with care. According to the police report, he expressed remorse for his actions after being detained, a reaction officers recorded as a key element of his initial statement.
Documented history of violence
A review of police files showed that the suspect had a history of violent acts against family members. Multiple charges and indictments were documented, and police classified him as a repeat offender. This pattern led investigators to consider the latest attack part of a broader trajectory of domestic violence.
The records also listed an earlier fire in which a house burned. Officers noted this incident in connection with the suspect and referred to a “documented pattern of violence” in their assessment of the case.
Media coverage and public attention
The case drew public attention after a Facebook page published photos and an appeal for help on 17 April 2026. Many users responded, linking the incident to wider debates on drug policy and social welfare provision in the Isaan region.
Local police did not comment on the online reactions. The prosecution was ongoing, and the suspect remained in custody. The case underscored concerns over support for caregivers and treatment for drug dependence in northeastern Thailand.