Police tracked and arrested 'Ai Nok,' the assailant who stabbed Sergeant Amnat, a military sergeant, 18 times, resulting in his tragic death. The suspect had been hiding in a rented room for four days and claimed the victim had scratched his mother's car and slammed a door loudly.
The incident involved a perpetrator attacking Sergeant Amnat Thongthaem, a financial officer at Chakrapong Camp Hospital (Military Circle 12), as he was riding a tricycle home after exercising. The victim suffered 18 stab wounds and died at the scene. The assailant fled on a motorcycle. Investigators later identified the suspect as Mr. Phanuwat Kittithanawaragul, or 'Nok,' age 39, and filed a request with the Prachinburi Provincial Court for an arrest warrant dated 1 January 2026. He was charged with "premeditated murder and carrying a knife in public without justification," as previously reported.
At 3:00 p.m. on 6 January 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chokchai Ngamwong, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sarunphat Yotsombat, Commander of Prachinburi Provincial Police, and Pol. Col. Supharit Yooprai, Superintendent of Mueang Prachinburi Police Station, held a press conference announcing the arrest. Pol. Maj. Gen. Kiattisak Sarathongoi, Commander of the Investigation Division Region 2, along with the investigative team from Provincial Police Region 2 and Prachinburi Provincial Police, directed the efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect.
Investigators discovered the suspect had been hiding at a rented room in Kong Khee Lek Subdistrict, Mueang Prachinburi District, Prachinburi Province. They planned and successfully arrested him, seizing evidence including a blue Honda Wave 125 motorcycle without license plates used for his escape, a pointed knife, and the shirt and pants worn during the crime. The suspect was charged with "premeditated murder and carrying a knife in public without justification."
During initial questioning, the suspect confessed, stating that during New Year's Eve celebrations he had used drugs and consumed alcohol. He and the victim lived opposite each other and may have been suspicious of one another. The suspect had a criminal record including attempted murder, drug trafficking, drug use, and drug possession. He said he feared the victim, a soldier, might report him or cause trouble. On the day of the incident, when he left home and saw the victim riding a motorcycle back home, he used a pocket knife he carried to stab the victim before fleeing.
Police took Mr. Phanuwat for drug testing at Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital before detaining him at Prachinburi Provincial Court. While being transported, the suspect attempted to explain that the motive was the victim scratching his mother's car and loudly slamming a door.
Mrs. Pimlapas Thongthaem, the victim's wife, expressed relief upon learning of the arrest but remained worried the suspect might be released. She said she wished he would be imprisoned for life and not cause trouble for others again. She intends to light incense for her husband to wish him peace and will take care of their child and family.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Ratchakan Thongthaem, the victim's son, said he was glad the police caught the suspect and wants the case prosecuted fully. He wishes to understand how the drug laws will apply. He also mentioned having a figure in mind for compensation and hopes the suspect's family will contact his family, as they have yet to receive any communication.