A 58-year-old man in Bangkok has been arrested after allegedly stabbing his ex-wife to death during a confrontation at a rented room, in a case that has shocked local residents.
The suspect, identified as Samorn, reportedly contacted a police officer who was his friend shortly after the incident to confess to the killing. During the call, he also indicated that he intended to take his own life.
The victim, 49-year-old Wanatda, was later discovered dead inside the suspect’s room with stab wounds to her neck.
Authorities quickly dispatched armed officers to the location after learning that the suspect was armed and threatening self-harm.
Police Respond to Armed Suspect in Phasi Charoen
Officers from Bang Khun Thian Police Station were sent to a rented room located along Soi Thoet Thai 82 in the Phasi Charoen district.
Police said they successfully persuaded Samorn to abandon his suicide attempt before taking him into custody.
Inside the room, investigators found Wanatda’s body lying on a bed. Reports indicated she was dressed only in underwear and had sustained two stab wounds to the neck.
The room belonged to Samorn, while Wanatda had been staying in another unit within the same building, located just two rooms away.
Couple Had Divorced But Remained in Contact
According to police statements, Samorn and Wanatda had officially divorced in December last year after being together for more than a decade.
Despite the separation, the pair reportedly remained in contact.
On the day of the incident, the two had gone out together to an entertainment venue before returning to Samorn’s rented room while intoxicated.
Samorn allegedly told investigators that he asked Wanatda to have sex, but she refused. The rejection reportedly led to an argument, during which he became enraged and attacked her with a knife.
Daughter Believes Jealousy May Have Played a Role
Wanatda’s daughter later told Channel 7 that Samorn had previously been her stepfather and that the couple had been together for more than 10 years before their divorce.
She added that her mother had recently started seeing another man. Although Samorn had not openly criticised the relationship, the daughter believed he may have felt jealous.
Police have since charged Samorn with intentional murder under Thailand’s criminal law.
Suspect Faces Severe Penalties Under Thai Law
Under Section 288 of Thailand’s criminal code, those convicted of intentional murder face severe penalties. The offence carries possible punishments including the death penalty, life imprisonment, or a prison term ranging from 15 to 20 years.
Samorn is currently being held at the Thon Buri Criminal Court while legal proceedings continue.
Authorities have not released further details about the investigation, but the case has drawn attention to the dangers of domestic conflicts escalating into deadly violence.