Somchai Pruksa did not go
quietly, putting up a struggle during his arrest.
Patcharapol Panrak
A Sattahip man was injured when a distressed hotel security guard
terrorized residents near the Payub Temple by chasing passers-by,
allegedly trying to stab them.
Suthep Pumpuang, 55, suffered a blow and cut to head after being hit
with the handle of a knife allegedly wielded by 50-year-old Somchai
Pruksa March 23. Somchai’s father, Songpol, said his son was distressed
that his wife had left him that morning.
Sattahip police were alerted to Suthep’s injury by temple-area
residents, who said they were scared to leave their houses because a
ranting man was chasing pedestrians and trying to stab them. After
allegedly attacking Suthep, Somchai went home for a meal, acting as if
nothing had happened.
More than 10 officers descended on Somchai’s Moo 5 home and recruited
the elder Pruksa to try to persuade his son to drop the knife and
surrender. When he did, police stormed the house.
Songpol said his son had a long history of mental problems, often
exacerbated by alcohol. His daughter-in-law left because of his erratic
behavior and, when she did, Somchai lost control, his father said.
