Man Hacks Stepfather to Death in Rubber Plantation

A 41-year-old man fatally hacked his stepfather and seriously injured his mother in a violent attack at a rubber plantation in Sakon Nakhon province on the night of 19 February. The incident occurred behind house number 216, Moo 5, Ban Tai subdistrict, Sawang Daen Din district. The stepfather died at the scene, while the suspect’s mother suffered a severe arm injury while trying to intervene.

Get today's headlines by email

Police identified the deceased as Mr Khian Udomlap, 65, who sustained multiple machete wounds to the head and body. The injured woman, Mrs Bualai Saraphat, 63, his wife, was slashed on her right arm, which was almost severed and was taken to hospital by local residents. Officers from Sawang Daen Din Police Station, led by Pol Col Chatchawan Duangkaew, along with the district chief, attended the scene.

The suspect, Mr Manu Phatham, 41, the victim’s stepson, allegedly fled to his nearby home after the attack. Police tracked him down and arrested him, seizing the machete used in the assault and a homemade gun found in his bedroom.

Investigators said the motive stemmed from ongoing conflict between the stepfather and stepson, who had frequently argued and previously come to blows but had not filed formal complaints. Tensions had reportedly escalated over time. Before the incident, Mr Manu had been drinking alcohol and later lay in wait to attack Mr Khian while he was working tapping rubber, catching him off guard.

Police said the suspect confessed to all charges. He has been charged with murder, causing grievous bodily harm, carrying a knife in public without reasonable cause and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Matichon reported he has been remanded in custody and handed over to investigators for legal proceedings. Authorities have not released further details regarding the condition of Mrs Bualai. The case remains under investigation as police proceed with prosecution under Thai law.

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Key Takeaways

• A 41-year-old man killed his 65-year-old stepfather in a machete attack on 19 February in Sawang Daen Din, Sakon Nakhon.

• The suspect’s 63-year-old mother was seriously injured while attempting to stop the assault.

• Police charged the suspect with murder, grievous bodily harm, and illegal weapons possession.

Related stories

Noise-petrol-fire-fury-camp-row-turns-deadly

Man-kills-friend-with-tractor-part-after-drinking-dispute

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 21 Feb 2026