Cambodian man arrested for axe attack killing 27-year-old Thai worker over shoe incident in noodle bowl

On May 13, police arrested a 24-year-old Cambodian national named Noo in connection with the fatal axe attack that occurred on May 10 in Rayong's Muang District. The victim, Sak Sidthi, a 27-year-old Thai laborer, was killed while sleeping on a canvas bed outside a rental house. After the attack, the suspect stole his employer Sirannya's pickup truck and a mobile phone before fleeing.

Police traced the abandoned pickup truck 7 kilometers away in Samkong Subdistrict, where it had run out of fuel. The suspect then borrowed a motorcycle from a fellow countryman and hid in a rubber plantation in Ban Khai District. The following morning, he attempted to apply for work at a rubber processing factory before being apprehended by police.

During interrogation at Samkong Police Station, Noo confessed to falsifying his nationality as Myanmarese because he feared the employer would not hire Cambodian workers. He also admitted to illegal border crossing. According to his account, the incident began when both men drank alcohol together, leading to an argument about work. When Noo was preparing instant noodles, the victim approached and threw Noo's canvas shoe into the noodle bowl in anger. This enraged Noo, who seized the opportunity while the victim was resting on the canvas bed to strike him with an axe in the neck, resulting in death. Noo stole the pickup truck to escape but abandoned it when it ran out of fuel and he was unfamiliar with the route. He then borrowed his friend's motorcycle and attempted to find new employment as if nothing had happened.

Police have filed serious charges against Noo and discovered he had illegally entered Thailand. He has been detained and will face legal proceedings.