Pictures courtesy of Amarin

Police in Prachinburi are hunting a suspect accused of killing a 52-year-old army staff sergeant in a knife attack on New Year’s Day, an incident that has shocked residents of a quiet village in Muang district. The victim was found dead at the roadside with multiple wounds, prompting an immediate manhunt and heightened concern over drug-related violence in the area.

The attack was reported at about 7.00am on Thursday, 1 January 2026, in Nong Cha-om village, Moo 7, Khok Mai Lai subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Rattaphon Khrua-on of Muang Prachinburi Police Station led the initial investigation, attending the scene with Pol Col Supharuek Yuuprai and a detective team.

Officers found the body of Staff Sergeant Amnat, aged 52, lying on the road beside a pedal tricycle, wearing black tracksuit trousers, a long-sleeved T-shirt and white trainers. An examination revealed 18 wounds across his body, including a deep knife injury to the neck that was almost severed and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was serving at Chakkraphong Camp Hospital and lived opposite the suspect’s home. After an initial forensic examination, rescue workers transferred his body to Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital for a post-mortem to confirm the precise cause of death.

Police have identified the suspect as Phanuwat, aged 39, a neighbour who allegedly fled on a motorcycle after the attack. Investigators say CCTV footage captured images from the scene and are using it to track his movements, describing him as a drug user with a history of violent behaviour and previous arrests.

According to police questioning, the victim had gone out cycling for exercise and was returning home when the suspect blocked his path, slashed his throat and stabbed him repeatedly as he collapsed. Witnesses said the suspect accused the victim of encroaching on his space before launching the attack.

The victim’s son, a non-commissioned officer stationed on the Sa Kaeo border, returned home after learning of his father’s death. His mother told him, “I am sorry that I could not help your father,” underscoring the family’s grief.

Amarin reported that relatives of the suspect said he lived alone after family members moved out due to fears over his behaviour. Police say the investigation is continuing, with officers focused on arresting the suspect and proceeding with legal action once he is detained.

Key Takeaways

• A 52-year-old army staff sergeant was killed with 18 knife wounds in Muang Prachinburi on 1 January 2026.

• Police have identified a 39-year-old neighbour with a history of drug use as the suspect and are pursuing him.

• CCTV footage is being used as part of an ongoing manhunt and investigation into the motive.

Related stories

Security-guard-found-stabbed-to-death-at-Bangkok-factory-gate

Man-53-stabbed-to-death-after-warning-16-year-old-in-Bangkok

 Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2026-01-02

 

UPDATE

Police Arrest Suspect in New Year Stabbing Murder