Police have arrested a 37-year-old man accused of carrying out a brutal acid attack on his former girlfriend in Ayutthaya, leaving her permanently disfigured. The suspect, identified as Surachai, also known as Bird, was detained on 3 April at a monastic retreat in Nakhon Luang district after evading capture for nearly a year. He faces a charge of causing grievous bodily harm.

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The arrest follows an incident on 9 April 2024 in Bang Pa-in district, where Surachai allegedly threw acid at his 38-year-old ex-partner, Namfon, in front of a residential estate. The attack left her with severe facial and body injuries, requiring more than three months of hospital treatment. Authorities say the assault was motivated by anger after the victim attempted to distance herself from him.

After the attack, the victim sought assistance from Pavena Hongsakul, president of the Pavena Foundation, who coordinated with Bang Pa-in police to pursue legal action. Evidence was gathered leading to an arrest warrant issued by Ayutthaya Provincial Court on 13 April 2024. The victim was also referred to Yanhee Hospital, where she received reconstructive treatment free of charge under the care of Dr Supoj Samritwanichcha.

Investigators traced the suspect back to Ayutthaya, where he had been hiding at a monastic site known locally as Pho Kae Ngern Larn. Police moved in and apprehended him without incident. During questioning, Surachai reportedly confessed, stating he had premeditated the attack and waited for the victim before carrying it out and fleeing the area.

Police records indicate the suspect has a history of criminal behaviour, including gambling addiction and previous convictions for theft and fraud. He had allegedly deceived temples by borrowing kitchen equipment and failing to return it, causing losses of around 30,000 baht, with similar offences reported at no fewer than four temples.

Thaitabloid reported that the suspect has been transferred to Bang Pa-in Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities have confirmed that the case will proceed in accordance with the law, while support for the victim continues through medical and social assistance channels.

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 4 Apr 2026

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1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

Police have arrested a 37-year-old man

Please stop calling these creatures Men.

Is it inappropriate to generalize that a significant number of Thai men struggle with anger issues?

What a total P.O.S this person is. Suggest the punishment should fit the crime with no treatment and a very lengthy jail term.

Pretty shocking case, but not surprising that the suspect turned out to be a repeat offender.

The fact that he openly admitted to planning the acid attack makes it even more disturbing. Hiding out in a temple was never going to save him.

Looks like “Bird” is about to have a new nickname — he’ll be a "Jail Bird" for quite a long stretch.

Hopefully Namfon gets the justice and support she deserves.

I think acid and petrol attacks are equivalent to murder and should be treated as such. They've intentionally taken away a person's whole future.

Should be removed from the oxygen supply - slowly.

Mandatory life sentence for chemical attacks regardless of the injuries or outcome.

Good. Another man child with a fragile ego apprehended who was parented badly and thinks he has carte blanche to do as he wants... because it's me.

Toss the key away and give the scumbag hard labour. Don't drop the soap in the showers either... have fun muppet.

12 hours ago, MIke B Bad said:

Mandatory life sentence for chemical attacks regardless of the injuries or outcome.

How about a swifter justice system.

Just give her a couple of cans of the same and a

paint brush ?