Six-Year-Old Girl Recovers After Knife Attack by Mental Patient

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

A six-year-old girl who was critically injured after being attacked with a knife inside her home in Roi Et province has now passed the danger stage, according to provincial authorities. The child underwent emergency surgery and remains under close medical supervision at Roi Et Hospital, where doctors say her condition has stabilised.

The incident occurred at about 9.00pm on 22 January 2026 in Ban Non Sa-at community, Khon Kaen subdistrict, Mueang district, Roi Et. Police from Mueang Roi Et Police Station were alerted to a serious assault involving a bladed weapon and rushed to the scene with local rescue teams.

The victim, a six-year-old girl, was found with severe wounds to her neck and nose and was transferred urgently for treatment. The suspect, a 35-year-old man later arrested by police, was identified as a psychiatric patient who claimed to experience auditory hallucinations, stating that voices had instructed him to carry out the attack.

On 23 January 2026 at 3.30pm, Roi Et Governor Chatchawal Benjasiriwong, accompanied by Deputy Governor Nantawit Naksang and officials from relevant agencies, visited the child and her family at Roi Et Hospital. Hospital staff confirmed that the girl had survived surgery and was no longer in immediate danger.

The governor instructed medical teams to continue intensive monitoring and provide both physical and psychological care. He also directed the Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and psychologists to support the child and her family in addressing the emotional trauma caused by the incident.

Authorities were further ordered to strengthen community-level screening of psychiatric patients, particularly those classified as high-risk or with a history of violent behaviour. Public health officials are to work with local administrators and related agencies to ensure such patients receive continuous treatment and follow-up.

Governor Chatchawal also emphasised that the family should not worry about medical expenses or legal proceedings. He presented a care package to the family and urged police to handle the case carefully and fairly while ensuring justice is served.

Police confirmed that the suspect remains in custody as legal procedures continue. Investigators are expected to work alongside medical professionals to assess the suspect’s mental condition as part of the judicial process.

ThaiRath reported that in the coming days, the child will remain hospitalised for observation, while long-term psychological rehabilitation plans are put in place. Provincial agencies have pledged continued oversight to prevent similar incidents and to improve monitoring of psychiatric patients in local communities.

Key Takeaways

• A six-year-old girl injured in a knife attack in Roi Et has passed the danger stage after surgery.

• The suspect, a 35-year-old psychiatric patient, was arrested and is undergoing legal proceedings.

• Authorities have ordered closer monitoring of high-risk psychiatric patients in communities.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thairath 2026-01-25