Dutch tourist slashed by deranged vagrant in Krabi

A Dutch tourist is recovering from neck lacerations sustained in a knife attack by a homeless drifter in front of a McDonald's outlet in Krabi.

Krabi Police raced to the scene at Ao Nang Beach yesterday morning.

When they arrived shortly after 11am they found 29-year-old Dutch tourist Reiner Fleaf lying on the sidewalk in a pool of his own blood. He suffered a deep cut to the back of his neck measuring 20 centimeters long and about 2cm deep.

Mr Fleaf was rushed to Krabi Hospital, where he arrived in stable condition and has since been released.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attack appeared to be completely unprovoked.

“Mr Reiner Fleaf was on his way to look for something to eat. He left the hotel and started looking for a restaurant. Some witnesses saw a deranged-looking man run up behind him and use a knife to slash the back of his neck before running away," said Lt Col Thongchai Sengrod, an investigator with the Muang Krabi District Police

Fearing more attacks, police staged a manhunt that ended at 3pm the same day with the arrest of 33-year-old Sompong Kongpiphit, known locally as "Bang Mhan".

Originally from the border town of Padang Bezar in Songkhla, Mr Sompong's wild hair and filthy clothes matched eyewitness descriptions, which said he appeared to be mentally ill.

Whether the result of mental illness or sheer stupidity, the suspect made no effort to dispose of the weapon he used to attack the Dutchman or any other incriminating evidence.

“We arrested Bang Mhan as he walked along Ao Nang beach. He was holding a knife ten centimeters long. His hands were still covered with blood. He spoke as if confused, like he didn't know what was going on,” said Col Thongchai.

The attack was not the first by the vagrant.

"After we arrested Bang Mhan, we received a report that he had slashed the head of a Burmese worker in the Ao Nang area just a few days earlier,” he added.

Bang Mahn is now being held in a cell at Muang District Police Station, where officers are preparing assault charges against him.

Col Thongchai said he expects the court to order a full psychiatric evaluation as part of the justice process in this case.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/news/detail.asp?id=11206

-- Phuket Gazette 2011-10-14

Just to clarify why the victim and police were outside my hotel, which is about 1km from the location of the attack - this is because my hotel is next door to the Krabi Hospital Clinic in Ao Nang, which is where the victim was immediately taken after the attack.

Simon

Thanks for the report Simon, you out-scooped the Gazette !

For those of you seeing this and heading for Krabi on holiday or otherwise, don't be put off. Extremely rare occurrence.

Between this and the lady heading to the national Park, it's the most active I've seen this Forum in awhile !

Thanks for the report Simon, you out-scooped the Gazette !

For those of you seeing this and heading for Krabi on holiday or otherwise, don't be put off. Extremely rare occurrence.

Between this and the lady heading to the national Park, it's the most active I've seen this Forum in awhile !

So true....the area is loved by many of us for its peace and tranquility.

Tongue in cheek:) worst case scenario you can always get a kevlar suit knocked at the many of the Tailors down the road....

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Thanks for the report Simon, you out-scooped the Gazette !

For those of you seeing this and heading for Krabi on holiday or otherwise, don't be put off. Extremely rare occurrence.

Between this and the lady heading to the national Park, it's the most active I've seen this Forum in awhile !

So true....the area is loved by many of us for its peace and tranquility.

With more than 10 attacks on tourists in the last month,I would hardly call it tranquil .3 days ago, 2 friend's of mine, were dragged off their bike on the Nopparatt road .They suffered lacerations to face, legs, arms ,This is happening far too much now.My friend has started a petition,to give to the Krabi governor.With over 300 signitures from local buissneses to date.I think hes doing a great job.Here's a link to to the online petition http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-krabi-improve-street-lighting-and-police-presence-at-night-in-ao-nang

Just for info....this "deranged "chap is alive and well and was shopping in Krabi Tesco/Lotus yesterday . Yes, he was still wearing the same wet-suit , but was thankfully perusing the Dvd section and not the kitchenware ! No M16 ,but a large shoulder bag ! He certainly didn't appear to be under any kind of supervision , and although sound advice from one poster ., difficult not to find yourself staring at him ! Let's hope that he doesn't get provoked,wittingly or otherwise by another this High Season .!!