BANGKOK – Police in Pak Kret have stepped up charges against a local barber and two of his wives following a shocking assault that led to the death of a 26-year-old man. The case, which has gripped social media due to the suspect’s claim of having 28 wives, took a grim turn as investigators uncovered video evidence suggesting the attack was not an act of self-defense as originally claimed.
The incident occurred at a local barbershop where the victim, Mr. Thiti Kobsubcharoen, 26, was reportedly getting his hair done. According to police reports from Thairath, the shop owner, 59-year-old Mr. Jeerawat Rattanawimanthip, allegedly attacked Thiti with a heavy wooden pestle.
A 15-year-old girl, identified only as “A,” captured the harrowing scene on her phone. The footage allegedly shows Jeerawat striking the victim repeatedly while two of his wives—the legally registered first wife and a second wife of Laotian nationality—stood by.
Upgraded Charges for the Trio
Initially, the suspects claimed the altercation was a spontaneous fight. However, after reviewing the video evidence and questioning witnesses, Pak Kret police officers, led by Pol. Col. Adirek Thongkaemkaew, moved to upgrade the charges.
The three suspects now face the following legal challenges:
- Premeditated Murder: Authorities believe the attack was planned rather than a heat-of-the-moment reaction.
- Joint Participation: Both the first and second wives have been charged alongside Jeerawat for their roles during the fatal assault.
- Forensic Scrutiny: Forensic teams are currently matching DNA and fingerprints found on the murder weapon—a large wooden pestle and a metal rod used to strike the victim’s legs.
What has drawn significant public attention to this crime is the personal life of the primary suspect. During police questioning, Mr. Jeerawat nonchalantly mentioned that he has a total of 28 wives. He clarified that while he maintains relationships with many, only a few live with him at any given time.
Despite the mounting evidence, Jeerawat maintains his innocence regarding the intent to kill. “I acted in self-defense,” he told reporters while being escorted by police. “I was attacked first, and I had to protect myself. I never intended for him to die.”
Key Details of the Investigation
As the investigation continues, several factors have become central to the prosecution’s case:
- The Video Evidence: The recording provided by the 15-year-old witness is considered the “smoking gun” that contradicts the self-defense plea.
- The Weapons: Police seized a kitchen pestle and a metal bar. The severity of the injuries suggests a level of force inconsistent with simple protection.
- Witness Testimony: The young girl who filmed the incident has provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the violence.
The family of Thiti Kobsubcharoen is calling for the maximum penalty, citing the brutality of the attack. Residents expressed shock, describing the barber shop as a usually quiet neighborhood spot.
The suspects remain in custody as the Pak Kret Police Station completes its final report for the prosecutor. The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly domestic or personal disputes can escalate into tragedy when violence is chosen over mediation.
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