A brief exchange of glances between two strangers turned violent on a Bangkok street, leaving one man injured in a stabbing and the other facing criminal charges. The incident unfolded outside a bank in Wat Kanlaya subdistrict, Thon Buri district, on Sunday, shocking bystanders with its sudden escalation.
Police Colonel Suraphat Rattanatraiwong, chief of Buppharam Police Station, confirmed that officers received an urgent report of a stabbing in front of the bank. Upon arrival, police found a 48-year-old man with stab wounds to his torso. He was immediately transported to the Naval Hospital for emergency treatment.
The alleged attacker, identified as 40-year-old Akhom, sustained a deep cut to his right hand during the incident and was taken to Taksin Hospital for medical care under police supervision. Witnesses reported that the confrontation began when both men were standing near a grilled chicken vendor. According to accounts, Akhom became visibly irritated after making eye contact with the victim.
What followed was a sudden outburst of violence. Akhom allegedly grabbed a knife from the chicken vendor’s stall and lunged at the victim, stabbing him in the torso. During the attack, he injured his own hand on the blade. The commotion drew the attention of bystanders, who quickly intervened. Several individuals managed to subdue Akhom, disarming him and holding him down until police arrived at the scene.
Officers arrested Akhom on the spot and charged him with assault causing bodily and mental harm. Police informed him of his legal rights before transferring him to the hospital for treatment. Once discharged, he will be questioned further as part of the ongoing investigation.
Preliminary inquiries suggest there was no prior relationship between the two men. The conflict appears to have stemmed entirely from the exchange of looks while they were both waiting to buy grilled chicken. Police say this kind of seemingly trivial dispute turning violent is a concerning reminder of the need for public awareness and self-control in resolving minor disagreements.
Local residents expressed shock at the incident, noting that the area is usually busy with shoppers and commuters but rarely sees such acts of violence. Vendors in the vicinity told reporters that the knife used in the attack belonged to the grilled chicken stall and was intended solely for food preparation.
Authorities have indicated that the case will be handled under the full extent of the law. If convicted, Akhom could face significant prison time for the assault, especially given the severity of the victim’s injuries. The victim remains under medical care, and his condition is being closely monitored.
Police continue to gather witness statements and review any available security camera footage from nearby businesses to piece together the full timeline of events. For now, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly ordinary situations can spiral into violence, with devastating consequences for everyone involved.
