BANGKOK – A brutal act of domestic violence shocked residents of central Thailand when a young truck driver, enraged over a breakup, fatally stabbed his girlfriend more than 30 times in their bedroom. The man later surrendered to police and admitted to the killing.
The murder took place just after midnight on Sunday in Village 12, Wang Thong Subdistrict, Mueang Kamphaeng Phet District. The victim, 43-year-old Somphit “Aum” Kanpakdee, was discovered in her bedroom, her body riddled with stab wounds.
The attacker, 27-year-old Phanu — also known as Taeh or Tae — turned himself in shortly after the incident. According to Pol Col Anake Chansorn, Deputy Commander of Kamphaeng Phet Police, Phanu confessed to the murder during questioning.
Phanu told officers he had been in a relationship with Aum for about three years, fully aware of her past with her ex-husband and her children. The ex-husband had recently been released from prison after serving six years for attempted murder.
Last week, Aum informed Phanu that she wanted to end their relationship and rekindle her family with her former spouse. Despite prior arguments, Phanu continued to hope she would reconsider. He admitted to monitoring her phone and learning that she had recently met with her ex-husband.
On the night of the murder, Phanu had been drinking and was preparing to leave for a job in another province. Instead, he drove to Aum’s home around 11 p.m., entered through the back, and found her sleeping. While reading her private messages on Facebook and LINE, he confirmed her intent to leave him.
When Aum woke up and caught him with her phone, an argument and physical struggle followed. Enraged, Phanu used a knife to repeatedly stab her in a fit of jealousy and despair.
Phanu has been taken into custody and is facing murder charges. Police are continuing the investigation and gathering forensic evidence. The case has drawn significant public attention and sparked renewed conversations about domestic violence and emotional abuse in relationships.
