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.
Somchai Pruksa did not go quietly, putting up a struggle during his arrest.
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.
