Man Kills Stepfather in Drug-Fueled Machete Attack in Chiang Rai
A horrific act of violence has left a Chiang Rai community in shock after a 25-year-old man, allegedly high on drugs, attacked and killed his stepfather with a machete. The brutal incident underscores the devastating impact of drug abuse in northern Thailand.
A Night of Horror in Mae Chan
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Monday in Santi Suk Village, Pa Tung sub-district. Police rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call, only to find a pool of blood outside a home. The victim, 55-year-old Ai Lung, had suffered severe neck wounds and was rushed to Mae Chan Hospital, where he later died.
Witnesses and relatives identified the attacker as Ekachai, 25, the victim’s stepson. According to neighbors, Ekachai had a history of drug abuse and violent behavior, often erupting in fits of rage. Unemployed and unstable, his addiction was believed to have triggered the deadly assault.
Fleeing the Scene, Then Arrested
After hacking his stepfather, Ekachai fled on foot. Police launched a manhunt and found him walking near the village just two hours later. He was arrested without resistance and later confessed to the crime during interrogation.
Authorities are preparing for a crime reenactment as part of the investigation. Ekachai now faces murder charges, with the case serving as a grim reminder of the dangers of drug-fueled violence.
Chiang Rai’s Struggle With Drug Addiction
This tragedy highlights Chiang Rai’s ongoing drug crisis. Located near the Golden Triangle—a hotspot for methamphetamine (yaba), heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl—the province battles rampant addiction. Cheap and widely available, yaba has devastated communities, fueling crime and family breakdowns.
Local leaders and law enforcement continue to push for stronger drug prevention programs, but with porous borders and easy access to narcotics, the fight remains uphill.
As the victim’s family mourns, the case has reignited calls for better rehabilitation services and stricter enforcement to prevent similar tragedies.
