PHICHIT – A tragic incident happened in Phichit province, highlighting the dangers of jealousy in relationships, after a 61-year-old man, who lost his wife years ago, stabbed to death a 31-year-old nurse he had been dating for the past four to five months.
According to police, on the day of the incident, the man borrowed a pickup truck from his employer and set out to meet his younger partner. While they were travelling together, a heated argument broke out.
Consumed by jealousy, the man used a knife to attack the young nurse, stabbing her multiple times in the chest, back, neck, and shoulders. She died from her wounds on the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
When police and rescue workers arrived at the scene on Highway 117 near Ban Lai Ko, in Nong Lum subdistrict, they found the black Ford Ranger pickup parked on the roadside. Inside, the young woman lay lifeless, surrounded by blood.
The man, identified as Mr. Sombat (surname withheld), remained in the driver’s seat, holding a blood-stained knife. His neck bore several wounds, and he was barely conscious, groaning in pain. Emergency teams rushed him to Wachirabaramee Hospital, then transferred him to Phichit Hospital for critical care. Doctors said he was still in the intensive care unit.
A Police investigation revealed that Mr. Sombat had asked for half a day off work and borrowed the truck, telling his boss he needed to take his girlfriend on an errand. While driving through Phichit, an argument about his jealousy over the significant age difference led to the violent attack.
After killing his partner, Sombat called his employer to confess. The employer urged him to surrender to the authorities. Once the call ended, Sombat attempted to end his own life using the same knife before losing consciousness in the vehicle. Police are now handling the case while the suspect remains under hospital care.
Crimes Driven by Jealousy
In Thailand, violent acts linked to jealousy often reflect the country’s social and cultural pressures, especially around romantic relationships. Emotions can run high when people feel betrayed or face rivalry, made worse by expectations about loyalty and family honour. Money problems and stress also play a part, adding pressure to already tense situations.
Stories about spousal attacks or “crimes of passion” often appear in the news. Usually, these events involve men who react with violence, like assault or even murder, after finding out about a partner’s unfaithfulness or suspecting they are involved with someone else.
In one reported case from Bangkok in June, a man stabbed his partner following a row fuelled by jealousy. This shows how online interactions can spark real-world anger and bring out insecurities. Such actions are usually unplanned, with offenders saying they lost control of their emotions, although this never excuses the harm they cause.
Deep-rooted ideas about “saving face” and strict gender roles can turn shame into anger or possessiveness, pushing some people towards rash acts to restore their reputation. Problems like poverty and regular drinking, especially in some rural parts of Thailand, add to the troubles. In places such as Isaan, police have reported higher levels of jealousy-driven violence at home.
While Thai law carries heavy punishments for these crimes, including life sentences for murder, cases continue to surface. This ongoing issue shows how important it is to raise public awareness, offer better mental health support, and teach healthy ways to handle relationships and emotions. Real change will need open discussion and support from within local communities.
