Van driver charged after knife attack on motorcyclist in Kata
The incident occurred at about 8pm on Sunday (Apr 26) on Patak Rd, directly in front of Wat Kata.
A van driver was charged after a knife attack on a motorcyclist on Patak Rd in Kata, Phuket, at about 8pm on Sunday, Apr. 26. Karon Police said the confrontation happened directly in front of Wat Kata after the Phuket-registered van cut closely in front of the victim’s motorcycle as he was riding from Patong toward Chalong.
The victim, identified as Somsak Wongkanha, told police the driver, Prawit Englee, got out and punched him. Police said the suspect was believed to have acted out of jealousy linked to a personal relationship involving his former partner.
Police charges and drug test
Karon Police said investigating officer Pol. Lt. Col. Eaksak Khwanwan formally charged Prawit at about 10am on Apr. 27.
The charges were assault causing no serious bodily or mental harm, carrying a knife in a public place without reasonable cause, illegal consumption of a Category 1 narcotic, methamphetamine, and driving under the influence of drugs.
Police said the suspect later presented himself at Karon Police Station late yesterday morning, Apr. 27. Officers conducted a urine test that returned positive for methamphetamine, and police said the suspect admitted using the drug about three days before the incident.
Attack captured on video near Kata Temple
Police said the suspect retrieved a knife about 50cm long from the front of the van and chased the victim across the road, attempting to stab him near a restaurant in front of Kata Temple.
The victim ran across Patak Rd to the opposite side of the temple grounds and escaped with minor injuries, including abrasions to his lower lip, before later filing a complaint with investigators.
Video shared by a local Facebook page showed the van and motorcycle stopped by the roadside before the driver emerged carrying the large knife and pursued the victim in front of bystanders.
The footage prompted strong reaction online, with social media comments condemning the conduct and calling for police action. Police said the suspect confessed to all charges after being informed of his legal rights.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/jealous-van-driver-charged-after-knife-attack-in-kata-100051.php
