Man Slashes Monk’s Assistant in the Neck in Front of Child Giving Alms

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

In a horrifying act of violence, a 42-year-old man in Buriram province launched a brutal knife attack on a monk’s lay helper in broad daylight, slashing him repeatedly in the neck in front of a terrified 12-year-old girl giving alms to monks.

The incident occurred at a crossroads in Ban Plub Pla, Moo 2, Sadao subdistrict, Plubplachai district. Police were alerted to the scene, where they found 48-year-old Mr Prasert, known locally as “Tui”, lying critically injured after being attacked with a long cleaver-style knife. Residents rushed him to hospital, where he remains in serious condition.

According to Pol. Lt. Wathana Atsalee and Pol. Col. Yannayong Thongbaiyai of Plubplachai Police Station, the attack took place while Mr Prasert was assisting a monk on the morning alms round, as he did every day.

Eyewitnesses described the assailant, identified as Mr Yodrak or “A”, as having parked his modified tricycle motorbike at the side of the road as if lying in wait. Monk Thanin, 53, said a young girl was giving alms at the time and had just finished when Mr Prasert bent down to gather offerings.

Suddenly, Mr Yodrak leapt from his vehicle and charged at Mr Prasert with a machete, slashing his neck multiple times from behind. The victim attempted to flee and collapsed in nearby bushes. Villagers quickly intervened, prompting the attacker to flee the scene on his motorbike.

The child’s grandmother, Mrs Phaka, 64, told reporters that her 12-year-old granddaughter had been giving alms alone in front of the house when the assault unfolded just metres away. “It was horrifying,” she said, recalling how she screamed for the man to stop.

The victim’s sister, Ms Rujirej, 49, said the two men had previous disputes despite living in separate villages. She added that Mr Yodrak had recently been seen sharpening knives late at night.

Police later arrested Mr Yodrak and seized the bloodied weapon. In his confession, he claimed the motive was revenge. He alleged that a year ago, Mr Prasert had tried to stab him but failed when a passerby intervened. Since then, he said, he had harboured a deep grudge and had tried several times to attack him but never had the opportunity, until now.

Shockingly, Mr Yodrak showed no remorse, stating: “I’m still not satisfied. If I see him again, I’ll do it again.” He added an apology “to the monk” for the disturbance but not to the victim.

Drug tests on Mr Yodrak came back negative. Police have initially charged him with causing grievous bodily harm and are continuing their investigation.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-20