A Thai man was apprehended by the police yesterday after he allegedly attacked the Deputy Mayor of Prasart district in Isaan’s Burriram province. The suspect asserted that he was acting as a protector of the community against a perceived corrupt authority figure.
Law enforcement officers from Ban Darn Police Station swiftly responded to the incident, which occurred outside a temple in Prasart district, in order to assist the 66-year-old Deputy Mayor, Suriya Nantasing, who had sustained a neck wound and was bleeding heavily. Currently, he is undergoing medical treatment at Buriram Hospital.
The 42-year-old suspect, Weerapong Yuangram, did not attempt to flee the scene and was found near the location of the attack, in front of his own house. Weerapong admitted to the violence and accused Suriya of engaging in corrupt practices and misappropriating government funds.
The district chief, 27-year-old Chawanakorn Prayoonmeta, informed the police that he and the Deputy Mayor were at the location for official duties. While they were engaged in their work, Chawanakorn observed Weerapong smiling and approaching the Deputy Mayor. According to Chawanakorn, Weerapong came up behind the victim, strangled him, and then stabbed him in the neck. Following the attack, Weerapong calmly left the scene and took a seat in front of his house. Chawanakorn expressed the belief that Weerapong might be dealing with mental health issues.
Weerapong’s uncle, Pornthep Wikitwarin, raised the possibility of his nephew suffering from mental health problems. Pornthep mentioned that Weerapong had a history of imprisonment due to drug use and had been released just last year. Given his history of drug use, it is possible that Weerapong has a mental illness.
According to Pornthep, Weerapong had previously expressed his desire to take action against dishonest authorities, although Pornthep believed that the attack was motivated more by a personal conflict rather than the Deputy Mayor’s alleged misconduct. Apparently, the victim had previously confronted Weerapong about his theft, which could have triggered Weerapong’s anger.
Weerapong is facing charges of causing severe bodily harm through assault, which carries a potential prison sentence of six months to 10 years and a fine ranging from 10,000 to 200,000 baht. Additional charges may be filed later, depending on the severity of Suriya’s condition.
