CHIANGRAI – A quiet neighborhood in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, became the scene of a deadly tragedy early Tuesday morning. On May 26, 2026, police officers responded to reports of a violent struggle. The incident ended with a father killing his former son-in-law to protect his daughters from an armed attack.
This tragic event highlights the serious dangers of domestic disputes and the sudden escalation of violence. Authorities are now piecing together a timeline that involves a history of harassment, an attempted kidnapping, and the discovery of illegal drugs.
Key Facts of the Incident
Before diving into the full story, here is a quick overview of what happened:
- Date and Time: May 26, 2026, at approximately 3:00 AM.
- Location: Ban Dong Muang Kham area, Pong Ngam subdistrict, Mae Sai, Chiang Rai.
- The Suspect: Mr. Ayi, a local father defending his home.
- The Deceased: Mr. Songphon, the armed ex-boyfriend of Mr. Ayi’s daughter.
- Evidence Found: A 1.5-foot sword, 48 methamphetamine pills, and a second hidden weapon.
The fatal clash was the boiling point of a dispute that began a week earlier. According to local authorities from the Mae Sai Police Station, the deceased, Mr. Songphon, had been in a relationship with Mr. Ayi’s 20-year-old daughter, known by the alias “Ms. A,” for about three years. He was a frequent visitor to their family home and was treated like a son-in-law.
However, the relationship abruptly ended about a week before the stabbing. Family members told police that Mr. Songphon got heavily drunk and inappropriately grabbed and harassed Ms. A’s 12-year-old younger sister.
Furious and concerned for the young girl’s safety, the family immediately filed an official police report. As a result, Ms. A broke off the relationship and kicked him out of their lives.
The Midnight Kidnapping Attempt
Mr. Songphon refused to accept the breakup. The situation took a terrifying turn around midnight, just hours before his death. He drove to the family’s house, demanding to get back together with Ms. A.
When she refused, he tried to forcibly drag her into his car. The family fought back and quickly called in local community leaders to help rescue her. To keep her safe, the village headman helped the family move Ms. A to a relative’s house to hide for the night.
Unfortunately, the danger was not over. At roughly 3:00 AM, Mr. Songphon returned to the house. This time, he was armed with a large knife measuring about a foot and a half long.
He walked directly to the bedroom window where Ms. A and her young sister usually slept. He began knocking loudly on the glass, waking up the entire household. Mr. Ayi rushed outside to stop him, and a chaotic fight broke out in the front yard.
During the intense struggle, Mr. Ayi managed to wrestle the large knife away from his former son-in-law. Acting in the heat of the moment, the father slashed Mr. Songphon multiple times. The injuries were severe, and Mr. Songphon died at the scene.
Police Arrive at Shocking Discoveries
When the Mae Sai police arrived shortly after, they found Mr. Ayi standing in his front yard, still holding the bloody weapon. He did not try to run away. Instead, he surrendered immediately and confessed to killing the man to protect his family.
As police secured the area, they searched the deceased man’s vehicle parked nearby. In the driver’s seat, officers found a camouflage-patterned bag. Inside, they discovered 48 methamphetamine pills—commonly known as Yaba—hidden inside plastic tubes and a candy box.
Methamphetamine is strictly regulated under Type 1 narcotics laws in Thailand, carrying severe penalties. Furthermore, police found a second long knife hidden under the driver’s seat, proving the attacker came heavily armed.
Mr. Ayi is currently in police custody. While he acted in defense of his home, authorities must still follow standard legal procedures for a fatal stabbing. Investigators are interviewing witnesses, gathering forensic evidence, and preparing to forward the case to the local courts. Meanwhile, they are also launching a separate investigation into the illegal drugs found in the deceased man’s car.
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