Thai Police Arrest Brothers who Stabbed Belgian Man on Koh Lipe

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SATUN -  Police say they will oppose bail for the two brothers charged with premeditated attempted murder of a Belgian diving instructor on Lipe island on early Sunday.

Police took Sarawut Nardma, 28, and his brother Adirek, 31, who were arrested on the popular tourist island on Sunday, from Lipe police station to Muang Satun police station on the main land on Monday evening for temporary detention. Relatives were seen hugging the suspects as they were escorted to a cell.

Lipe police investigator Pol Maj Theeradej Rattanawijit said officials would oppose the suspects’ bail requests as the case has drawn widespread public attention and will on Tuesday seek a court permission to extend their detention.

The brothers, who are local boat drivers, were accused of stabbing Peter Venden Abili, 28, in the early hours of Sunday after the Belgian tried to stop Mr Sarawut from beating up his wife while having an argument with her.

Mr Sarawut confessed to the crime while his elder brother denied the charge.

Mr Adirek claimed he did not take part in the attack against Mr Abili, but instead tried to stop the fistfight between his brother and the Belgian. Police found a cut wound on Mr Adirek’s left hand.

The Belgian good Samaritan is being treated at Bangkok Hospital Hat Yai in Songkhla province and is out of danger.

By Monrudee Poonsin