A neighbor was arrested for the brutal murder of a sergeant after a several-day manhunt. He confessed to using methamphetamine before the attack and said he was upset that the victim closed the door loudly. There had been ongoing conflicts between them.
On 5 Jan 2026 at 22:00, Police Region 2, in collaboration with Prachinburi Provincial Police and several investigative units, tracked down and arrested Mr. Nok, the suspect in the stabbing murder of Sergeant Amnat. The suspect had fled over 15 kilometers from the crime scene, and the pursuit lasted more than four days.
Investigations revealed the suspect was hiding in a shophouse in Dong Khee Lek Subdistrict, Mueang District, Prachinburi. He had broken into the room to stay there. Authorities surrounded the location and peacefully took him into custody.
Authorities initially seized a blue Honda Wave motorcycle used in the escape, the stabbing weapon—a 35 cm pointed knife still stained with blood—and the clothing worn on the day of the crime. The suspect was brought to the Prachinburi Provincial Police Station for further interrogation.
After the arrest, Police Major General Kiattisak Sarathongoi, head of the Region 2 Investigation Division, personally interrogated the suspect. He confessed to stabbing the sergeant. The suspect claimed ongoing disputes with the victim over loud door closing and spraying water on his motorcycle had built up resentment. The night before the crime, he took three meth pills and drank alcohol with friends until about 3 a.m. On the morning of the attack, hearing the victim close the door loudly, he went outside to avoid conflict but encountered the victim. Carrying a knife regularly, he stabbed the victim and fled.
When reporters asked about his motive, the suspect claimed the victim had repeatedly vandalized his motorcycle and harassed him. When asked if he wished to apologize to the victim's family, he refused to answer and did not offer any apology. The suspect had a finger injury from the attack and requested medical treatment from authorities.
During questioning, Mr. Panuwat, also known as Nok, 39, stated that he drank alcohol in the evening and took three meth pills. He said the motorcycle belonged to the victim's mother, bought for work, and questioned why he would damage it. He admitted to drug use but insisted he never caused trouble. He also mentioned a prior drug-related prison sentence and that he was released several months ago. He questioned why the victim's mother pressured him to sell drugs.
Authorities will conduct a detailed further investigation. Today, Police Major General Saranphat Yotsombat, commander of Prachinburi Provincial Police, plans to hold another press conference to present the suspect to the media.