Man Arrested After Over 11 Years on the Run for Axe Attack on Bus Driver

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of CIB

 

Police from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have arrested a 57-year-old man on 1 April, who had been on the run for over 11 years after attacking a bus driver with an axe, allegedly over a love affair dispute.

 

Officers from the Special Operations Division (BKP) apprehended Mr. Thawatchai, also known as “Nueng,” on charges of attempted murder and carrying a weapon in a public place without reasonable cause. The arrest took place outside a temple in Soi Suksawat 74, Bang Chak, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province.

 

 

The case dates back to end of 2013, when the victim, a bus driver, filed a police complaint. According to the report, Mr. Thawatchai boarded the bus as a passenger. When the vehicle reached a housing estate, he suddenly approached the driver and struck him in the face and head with an axe. The driver managed to stand up and grab Mr. Thawatchai’s arms to defend himself but suffered severe injuries to his hands, including a deep wound to his thumb. He was rushed to the hospital and later reported the attack to the police.

 

Following many years of investigation, authorities received information about Mr. Thawatchai’s whereabouts and then located him standing outside a temple in Samut Prakan. Police approached him, presented the arrest warrant, and informed him of his legal rights before taking him into custody.

 

During initial questioning, the suspect confessed to the crime, citing a long-standing personal grudge linked to a romantic dispute as his motive.

 

Mr. Thawatchai has been handed over to investigators at Bang Mod Police Station to face legal proceedings.

 

 

-- 2025-04-02