Popular Thai singer Palitchoke “Peck” Ayanaputra sustained serious injuries in the early hours of Sunday after being stabbed at a petrol station in Bangkok. The incident is initially believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding.
Police at Hua Mak Station were alerted at around 1:30am to a reported attack on the singer at a petrol station on Soi Ramkhamhaeng 76 in the capital’s Bang Kapi district.
Emergency responders from the Siam Ruamjai Salvation Foundation arrived on the scene and provided first aid before rushing the 35-year-old artist to Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital. He was later reported to be in stable and safe condition.
The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Chutithep Khunsoongnern, remained at the scene and surrendered a 20-centimetre knife to police. He was taken into custody and transferred to Hua Mak Police Station for legal proceedings.
Chutithep reportedly told officers that he had been on his way home after picking up his girlfriend from work when he came upon an argument taking place at the petrol station. He claimed he approached the group intending to mediate the situation.
According to his statement, Palitchoke allegedly rushed toward him, prompting him to panic and use the knife in self-defence. He added that his girlfriend called the police to request assistance.
Hua Mak Police Station chief Pol Col Naren Kruangsnaook said investigators have not yet questioned Palitchoke, as the singer has chosen to delay giving a statement.
Chutithep has been charged with carrying a weapon in public and causing injury to another person. Police say the case appears to have resulted from a misunderstanding, though further investigation is ongoing.
