Lampang Police Arrest Man for Stabbing Pub Employee in Revenge Attack

Police in Lampang, Thailand, arrested a 26-year-old man on the evening of July 29 for stabbing a pub employee outside a local convenience store. The violent attack was reportedly an act of revenge for the attacker's friend, a soldier who had a confrontation with security guards the previous night. The incident occurred in a busy commercial district of Lampang Municipality. Officers from the Mueang Lampang Station responded to emergency calls about a man attacking people with a weapon at a convenience store on Suren Road. Upon arrival, they found two injured employees from a nearby entertainment venue. The primary victim, 23-year-old Netithorn, sustained a severe stab wound to his left back and was rushed to Lampang Hospital. Another pub worker, 21-year-old Natthapoom, suffered minor injuries to his fingers while attempting to intervene. Police quickly arrested the 26-year-old suspect, identified as Thepbodee, within minutes. A short-bladed knife was seized from him at the scene. Thepbodee confessed to police that he brought the knife from home specifically to get revenge for his friend. His friend, Private Sittichai, had been injured by the pub's security guards during a fight the night before. The roots of the violence trace back to a chaotic scene on July 28. According to local reports, Private Sittichai caused a major disturbance at the pub while heavily intoxicated. Witnesses reported he was seen blowing balloons, suspected by staff to contain laughing gas, and bothering other customers. When security guards intervened, Sittichai allegedly pulled out a BB gun to threaten them, sparking a large physical brawl that resulted in injuries to Sittichai, his companions, and one security guard. Thepbodee has been officially charged with physical assault using a deadly weapon and is in custody as legal proceedings commence. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence to determine if others should face criminal charges. Meanwhile, Private Sittichai, who sustained a left ear injury during the initial pub brawl, is also receiving treatment at Lampang Hospital. As an active-duty soldier, military officials from the 32nd Military Circle have taken charge of his case and will conduct direct questioning. Local police and military authorities are collaborating closely to ensure justice for all involved in both incidents. Source: Chiang Rai Times