Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

A 42-year-old man has been arrested in the Yan Ta Khao district of Trang after repeatedly abusing his wife and threatening neighbours while allegedly using methamphetamine in front of his two-year-old daughter.

 

Police from Yan Ta Khao Police Station, led by Pol. Lt. Narongchai Phanket, detained Mr. Sitthichai, known locally as “Mee”, following reports from concerned residents. The man was accused of habitual drug abuse and violent outbursts, including physically assaulting his wife and terrorising the local community.

 

Upon his arrest, officers conducted an on-site urine test which turned purple, indicating methamphetamine use. He has been charged with consuming a Category 1 narcotic substance in violation of the law.

 

Mr. Sitthichai’s 35-year-old wife, Ms. Saowanee, arrived at the police station with her 71-year-old mother and their two-year-old daughter to provide testimony to a multidisciplinary team, including a psychologist and social worker from Yan Ta Khao Hospital. She refused to acknowledge or even look at her husband during the encounter, visibly traumatised by years of abuse.

 

According to Ms. Saowanee, she had lived with Mr. Sitthichai for 4–5 years and shared a daughter with him. In the past two to three years, however, his addiction had intensified. He allegedly consumed methamphetamine openly at home, often in the presence of their young child. Under the influence, he would become violently aggressive, shouting, using vulgar language, smashing property and once beat her, breaking a number of teeth, in front of their daughter.

 

She also reported that he had attacked her brother and caused her serious head trauma that has left her suffering from depression and a form of vascular brain disease. Repeated assaults had driven her to the brink of suicide. “I wanted to end my life,” she confessed, “but the thought of my daughter pulled me back.”

 

Despite medical treatment and attempts at recovery, the abuse continued. She described occasions when she wandered aimlessly after being beaten, traumatised and disoriented.

 

Worse still, Mr. Sitthichai reportedly threatened to kill anyone who informed the police, stating that if he were ever released, he would “kill them all.” Fearing for their safety, neighbours ultimately reported him to the authorities.

 

Local social development officials have since moved Ms. Saowanee and her daughter to a secure location for their protection.

 

Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, Pol. Lt. Col. Phanomrung Khonphutsa, confirmed that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine. While he admitted to drug use, he denied consuming the substance in front of his daughter and also denied assaulting his wife. No drugs were found in the home during the search.

 

Further checks revealed that Mr. Sitthichai had a prior drug conviction from 2019. Although he is currently in custody, residents fear the possibility of him securing bail and returning to the community.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-07-16

 

 

 

I know it's considered uncivilized but in cases like this, I do wish jails still had basement rooms for in depth behavioral counseling .

On 7/15/2025 at 9:59 PM, Georgealbert said:

A 42-year-old man has been arrested in the Yan Ta Khao district of Trang after repeatedly abusing his wife and threatening neighbours while allegedly using methamphetamine in front of his two-year-old daughter.

 

Good luck with Taksins "war on drugs"..