Police Arrest Suspect in New Year Stabbing Murder

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Police in Prachinburi province have arrested a 39-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing an army non-commissioned officer during a New Year’s Day attack, bringing an end to a five-day manhunt. The suspect, known locally as “Nok”, was taken into custody while hiding in a rented room after allegedly breaking in to evade capture. Officers recovered the knife used in the killing, still bearing bloodstains, along with the motorcycle and clothing linked to the crime.

The killing occurred on the morning of 1 January 2026, when Warrant Officer Amnat, also known as “Sergeant Boy”, aged 53, was cycling his three-wheeled bicycle for exercise in Khonmai village, Moo 7, Khok Mai Lai subdistrict, Mueang district, Prachinburi. According to police, the suspect suddenly attacked him with a knife, inflicting fatal wounds before fleeing the scene. The incident caused shock and fear among local residents at the start of the New Year.

Background information from the investigation shows that the suspect, Mr Phanuwat, had a history of violence and repeated prison terms. His sister told police he regularly used drugs and suffered from psychiatric illness but refused to take medication. She said he had been released from prison less than a year earlier and that repeated complaints to police had been made since his release, prompting family members to move away because they could no longer endure his behaviour.

Police Region 2 officers, working with Prachinburi provincial police, located the suspect on 6 January in Dong Khilek subdistrict, Mueang district. He was found hiding inside a row of houses after allegedly forcing entry into the room. Officers surrounded the building and arrested him in bed without resistance, seizing a 35-centimetre pointed knife, a motorcycle used to flee and clothing worn on the day of the attack.

During questioning, the suspect confessed and claimed he had ongoing disputes with the victim over issues including loud door slamming and water being sprayed onto his vehicle. He admitted taking three methamphetamine pills and drinking alcohol with friends until 3am on the night before the killing. He said that after hearing a door slam on the morning of the incident and encountering the victim while carrying a knife as usual, he attacked and then fled.

When asked by reporters whether he wished to apologise to the victim’s family, the suspect refused to answer and made no apology. Police are continuing legal proceedings while holding him in custody.

Daily News reported that investigators are preparing the case for prosecution and reviewing the suspect’s criminal and medical history. Authorities are also expected to examine earlier complaints and responses to assess whether further preventative measures are needed to protect communities from repeat offenders.

Key Takeaways

• A 39-year-old suspect was arrested on 6 January for a fatal New Year’s Day stabbing in Prachinburi.

• Police recovered the murder weapon, a motorcycle, and clothing linked to the attack.

• The suspect confessed, citing personal disputes and drug use before the killing.

Original Story

Drug-user-kills-army-sergeant-neighbour-in-Prachinburi-attack

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-07