Crime Volunteer Paramilitary Officer Arrested for Fatal Stabbing During Songkran Festival in Trang

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of CIB.

 

A volunteer paramilitary soldier has been arrested following a fatal stabbing at a Songkran festival event in Trang province. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), under the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), apprehended the suspect, identified only as Mr Benjaphong, on charges of murder and carrying a weapon in public without valid reason.

 

The arrest took place on Khuan Khon Road in the Thap Thiang subdistrict of Mueang Trang district. The case stems from an altercation that occurred during the “Charm of Maha Songkran” event, held at Trang Stadium in the Khao Kob subdistrict of Huai Yot district.

 

According to police reports, a violent clash broke out between groups of youths at the festival. During the altercation, Mr Benjaphong, reportedly a volunteer in a paramilitary ranger unit, engaged in a physical fight with the victim. The suspect allegedly used a knife to stab the victim multiple times in the chest, torso, and right arm, resulting in critical injuries that led to the victim’s death shortly thereafter. Mr Benjaphong then fled the scene.

 

Officers from Division 6 of the CSD launched an investigation, eventually identifying Mr Benjaphong as the main suspect. With sufficient evidence, the Trang Provincial Court issued a warrant for his arrest.

 

In a coordinated effort, the suspect’s relatives and commanding officers reached out to authorities and arranged for Mr Benjaphong to surrender. Officers from Division 6 of the CSD subsequently took him into custody and transferred him to Huai Yot Police Station for formal prosecution.

 

The arrest operation was carried out under the direction of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridech, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, alongside senior officers including Pol. Maj. Gen. Wittaya Sriprasertphap and Pol. Col. Anusorn Thongsai, head of Division 6. The team was led on the ground by Pol. Lt. Col. Montri Songkhong and officers from the same division.

 

Legal proceedings are now underway as Mr Benjaphong faces serious criminal charges under Sections 288 and 371 of Thailand’s Penal Code.

 

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from CIB.

 

-- 2025-04-21