Man Kills Neighbour with Machete in Drug-Fuelled Rage in Sa Kaeo

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested after fatally attacking his 64-year-old neighbour with a machete in a fit of rage in the Khao Chakan district of Sa Kaeo province.

The incident took place on the afternoon of 2 May in Moo 10, Ban Mai Pattana, Phra Phloeng Subdistrict. The victim, identified as Mr. Sompong Chanbunheuang, known locally as “Ta Pong”, lived next door to the suspect, Mr. Somchai Srisanok.

According to initial reports, the two men had a long-standing feud stemming from their close proximity and ongoing disputes. Mr. Somchai allegedly consumed illegal drugs the day before the attack. On the day of the incident, tensions flared when Mr. Sompong reportedly told neighbours that Somchai had threatened to kill him and had become increasingly aggressive.

In a sudden outburst, Mr. Somchai used a curved machete, commonly used for cutting grass, to strike Mr. Sompong multiple times. The victim was seriously injured and later died at Khao Chakan Hospital.

Local administrative officials, including the Phra Phloeng Subdistrict chief and the special operations unit known as “Team Moo Loom”, responded quickly and apprehended the suspect. Police later recovered the 94 cm-long weapon from the suspect’s bedroom.

Mr. Somchai, who had visible wounds and bloodstains on his abdomen and left thigh at the time of arrest, confessed to the killing. He claimed Mr. Sompong had previously harassed his wife and persistently insulted him, which he said pushed him over the edge.

Police Colonel Montri Chu Ying, acting chief of Khao Chakan Police Station, confirmed that Mr. Somchai has been charged with causing bodily harm resulting in death. He has been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

The case has shocked the local community and reignited concerns about mental health and drug abuse in rural areas.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-04.