Picture from responders.

 

A manhunt has ended in the swift arrest of a 28-year-old suspect who brutally bludgeoned his friend to death with a hammer in front of the victim’s two young children in Ayutthaya. The shocking attack, which occurred in the early hours of 16th February, left the victim, 42-year-old Phichat Phayayot, dead at the scene.

 

The suspect, identified as Chalermwong, known as ‘Kong’, was apprehended later that day at a house in Sena district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Police took him into custody for questioning at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station. He faces charges of murder and theft, having allegedly stolen two mobile phones from the victim’s home after the attack.

 

The horrific incident took place at approximately 03:00. According to Phichat’s 10-year-old daughter, the suspect broke into their home, wielded a hammer, and struck her father twice on the head as she and her eight-year-old brother watched in terror. Despite being threatened to remain silent, the girl bravely called her aunt, Lalita Phayayot, for help. Upon arriving, Lalita found the children in shock and their father lying in a pool of blood.

 

Investigators revealed that Phichat and the suspect had been long-time acquaintances. The night before the attack, they had an argument, though no further confrontation was reported until the assault. Relatives of both men have spoken about their strained relationship, with the suspect’s sister suggesting that the dispute stemmed from allegations of theft.

 

Police sources indicate that Chalermwong had accused Phichat of stealing wrought iron from his home, leading to escalating tensions. The suspect’s sister stated that he had previously expressed violent thoughts but had never acted on them. The victim’s brother, meanwhile, expressed relief at the suspect’s quick arrest, fearing that had he remained at large, the children’s safety would have been at risk.

 

Phichat’s children, now orphaned as their mother had left the family years ago, will be cared for by relatives. The victim’s body has been sent for forensic examination in Pathum Thani.

 

-- 2025-02-17

 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Phichat’s children, now orphaned as their mother had left the family years ago,

 

It is the innocent victims that I always feel sorry for.

Phichat's worries are all over and he is at peace.

The kids problems have just started.