Central Thailand: Pensioner turns himself in after fatal land dispute

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A 68 year old Thai pensioner turned himself in to the police after fatally stabbing his neighbour over a long-standing land dispute in Kamphaeng Phet province.

 

The incident occurred outside their homes, and the suspect fled on foot for three days, covering 30 kilometres through forests to reach his daughter’s house before turning himself in.

 

The pensioner, Chamnong’s daughter, Aoy, explained that her father did not intend to run away but was in shock after the incident. She mentioned that Chamnong had been involved in an altercation with 32 year old Chaiya, who allegedly provoked him at his doorstep.

 

Chamnong claimed self-defence, stating that Chaiya, who appeared intoxicated, threatened him and initiated a physical confrontation.

 

“Chaiya was shouting insults and threatening to shoot me, so I acted in self-defence, fearing for my life.”

 

Chamnong further explained that after being attacked, he was forced to retaliate with a knife to protect himself, believing that Chaiya might be armed. The long-standing land dispute over boundaries had been a persistent issue, despite previous mediation efforts by local leaders. Chamnong expressed surprise that the conflict had escalated to such violence.

 

Victim’s family

 

Meanwhile, the victim’s family remains sceptical of Chamnong’s account and plans to oppose his bail application. They believe Chamnong’s actions were intentional rather than defensive. The family and villagers gathered at Wat Khlong Pla Soi, where Chaiya’s funeral is being held, awaiting further police investigation and hoping for justice.

 

Chaiya’s mother, Manee, conveyed her disbelief regarding the suspect’s claims of self-defence and non-escape. She urged the police to conduct a fair investigation and demanded that Chamnong apologise for the death of her son.

 

“I cannot accept that he claims not to have fled and was merely regrouping. It is not true. I want justice for my son.”

 

Chaiya’s wife, Khemintra, also questioned the self-defence narrative, stating that Chaiya was unarmed and that there were no signs of a struggle at the scene. She argued that the level of violence used was excessive and unnecessary.

 

“If it were truly self-defence, one stab wound would have sufficed.”

 

The deceased’s wife added that the land dispute originated from natural elevation differences that had not been altered, contrary to claims. According to her, Chamnong had previously taken soil from their property to fill his land. Concerned for her safety, Khemintra is determined to contest Chamnong’s bail, reported KhaoSod.

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-11-07