In Udon Thani, a 32-year-old man surrendered after severely beating a crane owner. He claimed he was drunk and provoked by threats to be shot, so he retaliated without restraint before riding home. He expressed regret and apologized to the victim's family. Police have filed serious charges of attempted murder.
The case involves Mr. Somsak Phakdeeprayuwong, 47, a crane owner from Udon Thani, who, while intoxicated, went to collect money from a friend named Mr. Dear at a residence inside Soi Warat 1, Nong Bua community, Mueang Udon Thani Municipality. Not finding Mr. Dear, he sat in front of the house, during which he threatened to shoot the suspect. Mr. Dear's wife and child were inside the house. Later, Mr. Oat, a friend of Mr. Dear, arrived on a motorcycle and attacked Mr. Somsak, leaving him seriously injured. Mrs. Dear recorded the incident on audio. Soon after, Mr. Dear returned home, intervened to stop the assault, and called authorities who took Mr. Somsak to the hospital. He remains comatose with a broken facial bone and brain swelling in the ICU. The incident occurred at 00:30 on 9 September 2026, as previously reported.
Update on the case: At 22:00 on 11 September 2026, Police Colonel Patthanawong Janphon, Superintendent of Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, received a report from Police Lieutenant Bantheng Thapyotha, Investigation Officer, that Mr. Jira, or Oat, 32, from Nong Bua subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani district, the suspect who severely injured Mr. Somsak Phakdeeprayuwong, had contacted police to surrender. Mr. Oat came to the investigation unit at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station accompanied by his father and sister. They were jointly questioned about the reasons behind the assault.
Mr. Oat explained that he is a friend of Mr. Dear. On the night of the incident, he drank two bottles of liquor and became intoxicated. He rode a motorcycle to visit Mr. Dear's house, but Mr. Dear was not there. The victim had also arrived on a motorcycle and parked in front of Mr. Dear's house. The victim asked him why he was there, warning that if he didn’t leave, he would be shot next. Drunk and angry at the threat, Mr. Oat kicked the victim off his motorcycle amid a chaotic scene. Later, when Mr. Dear returned home and intervened, Mr. Oat left on his motorcycle, unaware of the victim’s serious condition. The next morning, he went to visit relatives in another province, consulted with them, and then surrendered to police. He expressed deep regret over the incident and apologized to the victim’s family, accepting responsibility for his actions.
Police Colonel Patthanawong Janphon, Superintendent of Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, revealed that preliminary investigations found eyewitnesses and clear video footage from a good Samaritan showing the assault. The suspect admitted that the victim threatened him with a firearm, though no weapon was seen. Both parties were intoxicated; the suspect had consumed two bottles of liquor, which led to loss of control. Being physically larger, he repeatedly stomped on the victim. The victim remains in critical condition, and evidence indicates the suspect acted alone. Based on the collected evidence, the suspect faces attempted murder charges due to the behavior, intent, location, and nature of the assault. Authorities warn that alcohol consumption reduces self-control and increases the risk of violent confrontations and fatal incidents. Driving under the influence also raises the chance of deadly accidents.