Bitter Row Between 88-Year-Old Businessman & Ex-Wife Sparks Police Intervention

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A heated altercation between an 88-year-old well-known tailor and his former wife escalated into a dramatic street confrontation in Nonthaburi, prompting a police response and sparking a potential legal battle.

The incident occurred at around 18:00 on 29 July in Soi Bang Krasor, Mueang District, when local police received reports of a physical altercation involving elderly businessman Mr. Sombat, also known as “Pa Den”, a respected former president of the Nonthaburi Traders Association and owner of a renowned bespoke suit shop.

Police arrived to find Mr. Sombat sitting in the driver’s seat of a car with a bleeding arm injury, surrounded by a crowd of concerned onlookers. His car had been blocked in the narrow street by a woman later identified as his ex-wife, Mrs. Bua, who had confronted him and his current companion, Ms. Nok, as they were attempting to leave the property.

According to witnesses, Mrs. Bua opened the car door, forcibly removed the keys, and attempted to prevent Mr. Sombat from leaving, leading to a struggle during which his arm was scratched, apparently reopening an old wound. Ms. Nok reportedly berated Mrs. Bua during the standoff.

Mrs. Bua claimed she had come to retrieve her personal belongings and clothing, which she had been prevented from collecting since the couple’s recent separation less than a week ago. She told police she had become fed up with Mr. Sombat’s late-night lifestyle, including regular visits to saunas, cafés and late-night eateries, often returning home around 4:00am. She also alleged that he had recently been scammed by another woman, resulting in financial losses of over a million baht.

Police advised both parties to continue discussions at the local station to avoid further obstruction in the neighbourhood. At the station, negotiations continued under police supervision.

Mr. Sombat refused to allow his former wife access to the house, citing past verbal abuse and the recent disappearance of 88,000 baht in cash withdrawn from his bank account. He insisted that if Mrs. Bua wished to collect her belongings, she must do so through official legal channels with a court order and police presence.

“I no longer trust anyone to enter my home,” Mr. Sombat stated. “If she wants her clothes, she can bring a court warrant. But she’s not setting foot in my house again.”

He also declared his intention to press assault charges against Mrs. Bua.

Following the complaint, investigating officers issued a referral for Mr. Sombat to receive medical treatment, with the resulting report to be included in the case file for further legal proceedings.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-31