Crime Four-Year-Old Girl Blinded in Machete Attack by Gang Mistaking Father for Rival

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A four-year-old girl has been left blind after a horrific machete attack by a gang of youths riding motorcycles, who mistook her father for a rival. The incident, which occurred on 28 June in Ubon Ratchathani province, has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for justice and proper legal action.

 

The victim, known only as ‘A’, was travelling home from the rice fields on a motorbike with her father, 27-year-old Wichanon Saentaweesuk, when the pair were ambushed. A group of four teenagers on two motorcycles, who were allegedly pursuing a rival involved in a drug case, mistook Wichanon for their intended target and attacked.

 

Wielding a machete, a gang member slashed A across the face. She was rushed to a local hospital and later transferred to Sappasitthiprasong Hospital due to the severity of her injuries. Doctors were forced to remove her right eye and the optic nerve in her left eye was also damaged, leaving her completely blind. Specialists have expressed a slim hope that some sight may be recovered in the left eye with expert intervention.

 

The child’s mother, 25-year-old Natchanok Puangchampa, recounted the terrifying incident and expressed frustration at the slow pace of the police investigation. Since the attack, the family has relocated out of fear for their safety and are currently being sheltered by a local social media activist.

 

The case was highlighted by prominent community advocate Ekaphop Luangprasert, who on the 15 July, visited the provincial police chief, Pol Maj Gen Patiyut Singsomroj, to demand justice and case progress. Public pressure appears to have spurred authorities into action.

 

Police have since issued arrest warrants for four individuals: Tawee “Petch” Boonmathon 33, believed to be the machete-wielding attacker, Thawatchai “Thiw” Dodthani, the driver of Petch’s motorcycle, Saksit “Tong” Promlun, the second bike’s driver and Manat “Nut” Samila, Tong’s passenger. Investigators say Petch has a known history of drug-related offences.

 

In a further twist, it was revealed that the real target of the attack was a man named “Don”m who had previously acted as a police informant in a drug sting that led to arrests in the gang. On the day of the incident, Don was lured to a nearby rice field but fled upon seeing the attackers. Tragically, young A and her father happened to be passing by at the same time.

 

Justice Ministry officials have now intervened, with Patitta Chompradit, Director of the Provincial Justice Office, pledging financial support and witness protection if needed. Efforts are also being made to expedite compensation for the victim through the official channels.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-07-17

 

 

 

[quake]

Just nasty.