Man Fatally Stabbed on Nakhon Phanom Bus by Mentally Ill Passenger

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

A 72-year-old man was fatally stabbed on a public bus travelling from Ban Phaeng to Nakhon Phanom on the morning of 11 July, in a horrifying attack believed to have been carried out by a mentally ill man.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:10 as the bus passed through the Wern Phrabat sub-district of Tha Uthen district, Nakhon Phanom province. According to police, the suspect, identified as Mr Prasert 55, a homeless man from Loei province, suddenly became agitated during the journey and attacked a fellow passenger with a knife.

The victim, Mr Somnuek Srinanta, a 72-year-old resident of Ban Phaeng district, was stabbed in the chest beneath the left ribcage, that led to his death shortly after being transported to Tha Uthen District Hospital.

Witnesses said the assailant had boarded the bus at its point of origin in Ban Phaeng and had shown no signs of aggression prior to the incident. Without warning, he pulled out a knife and stabbed Mr Somnuek, who had been seated next to him. The attacker then leapt off the moving bus and attempted to flee the scene.

Police from Tha Uthen Police Station, under the direction of Pol Col Pralong Promsorn, quickly launched a manhunt and arrested the suspect near Ban Pak Thuey Noi within the same sub-district. He reportedly gave incoherent statements during questioning and showed signs of severe mental disturbance. No traces of illegal substances were found in his system.

Pol Maj Gen Sakchai Sadmaroeng, Chief of Nakhon Phanom Provincial Police, has ordered a full investigation into the motive behind the attack. Initial findings suggest the suspect acted without provocation and may have suffered a psychotic episode.

The suspect remains in custody and is undergoing psychiatric evaluation. Formal charges will be filed pending the outcome of the investigation.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-12