Drunk attacks Nation Group cameraman

The Nation TV cameraman, who had to be taken to Siriraj Hospital for knife wounds after a drunkard attacked him on Wednesday, will undergo an operation today to repair a ligament in his left index finger.

Pittaya Thong-ee also needs stitches on his right eyelid. He has wound in his neck too.

According to eyewitnesses, Pittaya entered a karaoke lounge in the Bangkok Noi area at around 10pm and greeted a friend who was sharing a table with a man police identified as Yuttana Pipitniphon, 47.

Pittaya exchanged a few pleasantries with the man, who suddenly got up and lunged at him with a knife. The photographer tried to block the knife with his left hand and hurt his index finger. He was also slashed on the eyelid.

Pol Lt-Colonel Kittisak Suwanrat, an on-duty officer at Bangkok Noi Police Station, said Pittaya had no idea why he was assaulted.

"Perhaps it was the result of a misunderstanding during the greeting or inebriation," he said.

Yuttana has no criminal record and now faces charges of aggravated physical assault.

According to Pittaya's younger sister, the owner of the karaoke-lounge owner said Pittaya greeted his friend and wai-ed Yuttana after walking in.

Yuttana then asked him, "Do you know me?", before trying to attack him when Pittaya said "no".