Father Fatally Stabbed by Ex-Son-in-Law After Failed Reunion
A quiet neighborhood in Chonburi was rocked by a brutal act of domestic violence early Thursday morning, when a 54-year-old man was stabbed to death by his former son-in-law in what authorities describe as a crime fueled by rage and rejection. The suspect, 28-year-old Mr. Phanupong, had entered the family home under cover of darkness after a failed attempt to reconcile with his estranged wife.
The incident took place around 4:09 a.m. on July 31, inside a single-story townhouse in Soi 15, Village No. 1, Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. When officers from Huai Yai Police Station arrived at the scene, they discovered a gruesome sight: Mr. Siwaphong, known locally as “Uncle Phong,” lay face-up in his bed, blood soaking his chest, with a kitchen knife still embedded near his heart.
Nearby, his wife, 53-year-old Ms. Rian, his daughter, 31-year-old Ms. Anchalee (also known as Ple), and several grandchildren were in a state of visible shock and grief. According to Rian, the house was dark and quiet when the attack occurred. She awoke only after hearing her husband’s scream, flipped on the light, and saw him bleeding. The attacker had already fled — but not before she caught a glimpse.
“I saw just enough to know who it was,” she told police. “It was my former son-in-law. He used to live here until a week ago.”
Anchalee later explained that Phanupong had been trying to patch things up after a recent separation. They had been living apart for about a month. Previously, he had broken into the house to plead for a second chance — emotional but not violent. This time, she said, “He couldn’t handle rejection, so he lashed out at my father.”
What made the killing even more chilling was that Siwaphong had taken no sides in the couple’s breakup. “He stayed neutral the whole time,” Anchalee emphasized. “But Phanupong still chose him as the target.”
CCTV Footage and Swift Arrest
Police quickly secured the crime scene and began collecting evidence, including a crucial piece of CCTV footage from a nearby building. The timestamp, one hour fast due to a setting error, showed Phanupong arriving on a motorcycle at around 5:09 a.m. He parked at the entrance of the alley and walked directly to the house. Minutes later, a scream could be heard on the audio, followed by footage of him fleeing the scene.
A manhunt was launched immediately. By 6:00 a.m., police tracked Phanupong to his mother’s rented house in Village No. 3, Nong Prue subdistrict, about 10 kilometers away. When officers arrived, they found the suspect visibly shaken. His mother later told police that he had confessed the killing to her shortly after arriving home.
Mob Justice Averted
The arrest almost sparked further violence. Word of the murder spread quickly, and relatives of the victim accompanied officers to the arrest location. Upon seeing the suspect, several people attempted to physically attack him. Police intervened just in time, preventing what could have been a deadly act of mob justice.
Phanupong was taken into custody without injury and transferred to Huai Yai Police Station for questioning. So far, no formal charges have been filed, but police confirmed that they will pursue charges of premeditated murder under Section 288 of the Thai Criminal Code. If convicted, Phanupong could face the death penalty, life imprisonment, or a minimum of 15 to 20 years behind bars.
Investigation Ongoing Amid Public Grief
The investigation remains active as police continue questioning witnesses, reviewing security footage, and preparing evidence for prosecutors. An autopsy is underway to confirm the exact cause of death, though the fatal stab wound is already considered definitive.
The community remains stunned by the crime. Neighbors described Siwaphong as a quiet, caring man who was deeply involved in his family’s life. Many expressed disbelief that such violence occurred in their typically peaceful area.
In response to mounting anger, authorities have urged residents to remain calm and allow the legal system to work. “We understand the grief and emotion,” said one police spokesperson. “But justice will be pursued through the proper channels.”
Police have also dismissed circulating online rumors suggesting that the murder was linked to organ trafficking or ritualistic motives. “This was a tragic but straightforward case of personal rage,” officers stated.
Awaiting Charges and Further Developments
Prosecutors will soon review the case file and determine the formal charges against Mr. Phanupong. Until then, he remains in police custody under close supervision.
As more details emerge, authorities plan to release further updates. For now, the tragic killing serves as a painful reminder of how unresolved personal conflicts can escalate into irreversible loss — not just for one family, but for an entire community.
