Subdistrict Mayor Assaulted by Former MP and Associates at Funeral, Local Officials File Complaint with Provincial Governor
A Phatthalung subdistrict mayor was assaulted by a former MP and four associates at a funeral on April 23, prompting local officials to seek urgent legal action and protection from the provincial governor.
On April 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. outside the Phatthalung Provincial Hall, more than 20 local government administrators from Electoral District 2, led by Worajit Saiyakaew, submitted a letter to Provincial Governor Suchin Wajakit requesting expedited legal action and safety protection for Thanin Thongpool, Tambon Subdistrict Mayor of Phanangthung in Khuankhun District, Phatthalung Province, who was violently assaulted.
The incident occurred on April 23 during a funeral service at Dharmathaew Temple in Phanangthung Tambon, Khuankhun District. The accused is a former Ruam Thai Chart Charoen Party MP from Baan Yai, along with four associates who participated in the attack. Thanin filed a police report at Thalenoi Police Station the same day.
Thanin recounted that during the funeral, while mourners were placing sandalwood flowers, the former MP pulled him aside to discuss a grievance over his past campaign support for an opposing candidate. The former MP then struck him forcefully on the shoulder and head, leading to a physical altercation. When Thanin fought back, the former MP's four associates joined in the attack, with one person drawing a firearm. Fortunately, other funeral attendees intervened and prevented further violence.
Thanin filed charges at Thalenoi Police Station and received medical examination at Khuankhun Hospital, where bruises on his face were documented. He expressed that he would not have attended had he known the former MP would be presiding, and now fears for his safety and family due to the suspect's influence and large network of supporters. He worries future political activities will require heightened security precautions and is anxious that the case may be quietly dismissed like many previous incidents.
"This incident occurred before many witnesses, yet the perpetrator showed no fear of legal consequences and has barely received media attention," Thanin stated. "If left unaddressed, this violence could escalate to harm others in the future."
Provincial Governor Suchin Wajakit stated that he will send an official letter to police requesting careful investigation of the case with fair treatment for both parties.
