Man High on Drugs Stabs Uncle in Udon Thani, Once Prosperous, Now Ruined by Addiction

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

A man reportedly suffering from drug-induced hallucinations stabbed his uncle in a violent altercation in Chai Wan district, Udon Thani province. The suspect, who had once returned home wealthy after working in South Korea, has seen his life spiral into ruin due to severe methamphetamine addiction.

At approximately 12:15 on 18 May, police at Chai Wan Police Station were alerted to an incident involving a mentally unstable individual under the influence of drugs. The attack occurred at a small hut in a rice field on the outskirts of Ban Phia Pu, Village 8, Chai Wan subdistrict.

Upon arrival, officers found 59-year-old Mr Thanat seriously injured with three stab wounds to his ribcage. He had run to nearby villagers for help. Emergency responders rushed him to Chai Wan Hospital, but due to a punctured lung, he was transferred in critical condition to Udon Thani Central Hospital.

The suspect, 44-year-old Mr Kat, is the victim’s biological nephew. After the stabbing, he calmly walked home, where police later apprehended him. During the arrest, officers recovered two knives used in the attack. Mr Kat has been charged with attempted murder.

In his statement to police, Mr Kat claimed the stabbing was in self-defence. He alleged that his uncle had been staying at his field hut for several days, disturbing his belongings and asking relatives for money. Mr Kat confronted his uncle, asking why he didn’t work and accused him of being a burden. According to Mr Kat, his uncle then became enraged, picked up two knives and charged at him. In the ensuing struggle, Mr Kat claims he disarmed his uncle and stabbed him twice in the side, not intending to kill but to protect himself. He admitted to taking one methamphetamine pill earlier that morning.

Mr Kat’s 69-year-old mother, Ms Paithoon, told police her son had returned from South Korea several years ago with hundreds of thousands of baht. He used the money to build a house, buy farmland and purchase prized buffalo. However, he became addicted to methamphetamine, sold off his buffalo to buy drugs, and is now virtually penniless. She admitted that her son began using drugs in South Korea and returned mentally unstable.

Family members, including an aunt who recently had an argument with Mr Kat over unpaid debts and his attempts to sell her buffalo, submitted a video clip to the police showing his erratic behaviour. They had intended to request rehabilitation before the stabbing occurred.

Chai Wan Police Chief, Pol. Col. Ratphonchai Phensongkram, confirmed that both the suspect and victim have a history of substance abuse. Mr Thanat was reportedly addicted to marijuana and had been estranged from his wife. He had moved in with his nephew in the field hut, where the altercation took place.

The police are continuing their investigation and Mr Kat remains in custody.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-20.