Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A 79-year-old woman was savagely attacked and killed with a machete while sitting outside her family-run shop in a quiet village in Janghan district. The suspected assailant, a 49-year-old man described as mentally unstable and possibly under the influence, was restrained by local residents until police arrived.

 

The incident occurred around 16:50 on 8 July in Ban Sabaeng, Moo 13, Din Dam Subdistrict. Police and emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving a report of a violent assault resulting in death. There, they found the body of Mrs. Boonthan, slumped next to her walking aid, with deep wounds to her head, face and wrist. Her left hand was nearly severed.

 

The attacker, Mr. Samai, was caught at the scene by villagers and restrained with ropes while awaiting police. He was reported to be a local construction worker who occasionally visited the shop.

 

CCTV footage captured the horrifying attack. At 16:42  Mrs. Boonthan was seen calmly sitting outside her shop when Mr. Samai arrived on a bicycle, carrying a machete. After briefly standing nearby, he disappeared behind the house and then returned, appearing to exchange words with her before suddenly launching a frenzied assault, striking her repeatedly as she collapsed. He continued to slash at her even after she fell unconscious.

 

Mrs. Boonthan’s granddaughter, 25-year-old Ms. Kulthida, witnessed the attack and said her grandmother was in her usual spot outside the shop. “He just showed up out of nowhere and started hacking her. I screamed and tried to stop him, but he turned on me too, so I ran with the children to get help. He tried to attack my aunt as well before villagers tackled him.”

 

Ms. Kulthida added that Mr. Samai was not known to be in conflict with the family, though he exhibited signs of intoxication during previous visits.

 

Police collected forensic evidence from the murder weapon and sent Mr. Samai’s urine for drug testing. He remains in custody in a holding cell as officers await the results and plan to question him once he has calmed down.

 

Initial reports suggest the suspect asked to buy alcohol on credit and was refused by the victim, prompting the violent outburst. However, investigators have not yet confirmed the motive, pending formal interrogation.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-07-10

 

 

 

What a way to go at that age. 

 

He just go out the same way.