KHON KAEN– A horrific knife attack shocked a quiet village in Udon Thani on Wednesday morning. A local man under the influence of crystal meth killed his aunt and badly injured his aunt-in-law.
The suspect claimed he was destroying evil spirits rather than hurting his family. Local police quickly arrested the man at the scene after villagers tried to stop him.
Key Takeaways
- Fatal Attack:A 39-year-old man killed his 58-year-old aunt and severely injured his 47-year-old aunt-in-law with a knife.
- Drug Influence:The suspect admitted to taking two methamphetamine pills before the assault, which triggered severe hallucinations.
- Delusion Details:The attacker claimed he was killing traditional ghosts called “Pop” to defend himself from black magic.
- Police Arrest:Authorities used specialized safety tools to capture the suspect after he attempted to fight back.
The tragic event happened in front of the village chief’s house in Chiang Yuen sub-district. The two victims were eating lunch peacefully together outside when the sudden attack started.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Pornchai “No” Phosachan, ran toward them with a sharp knife. Nearby neighbors fled in fear as the violent scene unfolded before them.
Police Battle Armed Suspect
The suspect stabbed his aunt, Viphawan Chaophoka, who died from her injuries shortly after. He then turned the weapon on Naphaphorn Chaophoka, his aunt-in-law, causing severe head wounds.
Emergency workers rushed Naphaphorn to the local hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Angry villagers surrounded Pornchai and tried to subdue him before the local authorities arrived.
According to a report by Thairath , police officers had to use specialized long metal poles to trap the suspect safely. Pornchai fought back against the officers using a slingshot inside a house.
Officers eventually tackled the suspect to the ground after he tried to run away in handcuffs. Medical staff treated him for minor injuries before police took him to the Huai Luang police station.
During police questioning, Pornchai showed clear signs of severe mental confusion caused by drug abuse. He admitted to swallowing two methamphetamine pills the night before the deadly attack.
Haunting Delusions from Methamphetamine
The suspect told officers that his female relatives were actually “Pop” ghosts trying to end his life. He claimed he had already destroyed nine evil spirits earlier that night.
Pornchai also believed he possessed magical powers that made any knife he touched deeply powerful. He apologized to his family, stating he only wanted to destroy the ghosts.
Police investigators are keeping Pornchai in secure custody while they prepare the official paperwork for court. The suspect faces serious legal charges of intentional murder and attempted murder.
Local leaders are urging community members to report any individuals showing aggressive behavior due to drug addiction. This tragic case highlights the growing danger of methamphetamine use in rural villages.
Meth Addiction in Thailand
Meth addiction in Thailandis a serious and widespread public health crisis, especially with the cheap, strong form of methamphetamine known locally as yaba , a pill made with meth and caffeine. What started among long-haul truck drivers and laborers who needed to stay awake has spread across many parts of society, including rural communities in the Northeast, crowded Bangkok neighborhoods, and middle-class youth. Users often fall into a cycle of multi-day binges followed by hard crashes, and that pattern can lead to severe paranoia, psychosis, violent behavior, and lasting brain damage.
Families are often torn apart as addicts sell belongings, steal from relatives, or turn to petty crime to pay for the drug. Meanwhile, overcrowded rehab centers and underfunded prisons struggle to handle the damage. Even with harsh crackdowns, forced treatment, and heavy penalties, meth remains easy to find across porous borders near Myanmar’s production areas. As a result, many Thais are still trapped in a cycle of poor health, lost chances, and broken communities.
