Electricity Worker Bewildered After Being Assaulted by Homeowner During Power Disconnection for Unpaid Bills

On May 6, 2025, at a location in the Sai Mai district, Nattcha, a 35-year-old employee of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, filed a complaint after being assaulted while disconnecting power at a residence with overdue bills. The incident occurred on March 16 around 11 a.m. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact the homeowner, Nattcha proceeded with the disconnection according to protocol. When the homeowner emerged and asked if power could be restored since they were about to pay the bill, Nattcha explained the process required payment first before reconnection could be authorized. The homeowner apparently grew angry and attacked, punching him in the face while saying "Can't you wait a moment?" When Nattcha raised his arm defensively, the homeowner struck his left arm with a large metal rod, causing significant bleeding. Nattcha fled to take shelter and called his company, then sought medical treatment where he received seven stitches at his elbow before filing a report at Krathumlaban Police Station.

Nattcha later learned the homeowner had a history of threatening electricity workers during disconnections, though this was his first time handling that location. He acknowledged the incident has made his work difficult, causing him anxiety during subsequent duties. Despite meeting the homeowner once after the incident, he received no apology, and was even told he had provoked the situation. Ekaphap Luangprasert noted they have coordinated with Krathumlaban Police Station to follow up on the case, but no progress has been made in two months, with police never calling for mediation. He criticized the delay and urged the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to improve worker safety by assigning employees in pairs rather than alone, given the repeated incidents of violence against workers during disconnections.