Dramatic Road Intersection Confrontation: Fake Gun Threat Over 2,000 Baht Debt, Young Salesman Stabbed with Knife, Police to Press Serious Charges
A 31-year-old salesman was stabbed and threatened with a fake gun by three attackers on a Buriram highway in May 2024 over a disputed 2,000-baht debt. Police arrested the suspects and are pressing charges including robbery, knife possession
On May 18, 2024, online videos circulated showing one woman and two men brandishing a fake gun and knife while threatening and assaulting a man on Highway 24 near the Thanon Hak intersection in Nang Rong District, Buriram Province, shocking onlookers.
The victim, 31-year-old salesman Thanavut, filed a police report at Nang Rong Police Station against the three known individuals who attacked him with firearms and blades, leaving him injured.
Police interrogated three suspects from the video: Khamsing, 40; Darawadee ("Je Chiao"), 53; and Chairat, 39. Seized evidence included the clothing worn during the incident, a fake gun, and a knife.
Khamsing claimed Thanavut had borrowed nearly 4,000 baht from his wife Darawadee but refused to repay after several months and blocked contact on Facebook and Line. He said he encountered Thanavut by chance near Pak intersection in Chaloem Phakiat District and asked him to stop for discussion, but Thanavut fled, prompting a 10-kilometer chase before they met again at the Thanon Hak traffic light intersection in Nang Rong District.
Khamsing stated he originally intended to collect the debt amicably but a verbal dispute escalated. He claimed Thanavut attacked him first, causing him to fall and attempt to restrain him. Khamsing admitted using a knife once in anger but claimed the gun was fake and he had no intention to harm anyone.
Darawadee said she initially lent money out of compassion, feeling sympathy for Thanavut's situation. She admitted feeling upset about the incident and stated she was attempting to defend herself by grabbing Thanavut's chest when her husband intervened.
Thanavut testified he borrowed a total of 14,000 baht and had repaid 12,000 baht, leaving 2,000 baht outstanding. He claimed the defendants posted about the debt on social media, which upset him and caused him to stop answering their calls.
Thanavut insisted the defendants' actions were disproportionate, as they used firearms and knives causing injury. He also stated they stole his company's money bag containing approximately 8,000 baht in cash, vowing to pursue the case to its conclusion.
Nang Rong Police Commander Pol. Col. Anon Lekdee revealed that investigators tracked down all three perpetrators. Initial charges include unlawfully carrying a knife, robbery, and threats. Additional charges are under investigation before prosecution proceeds.
