Two arrested for Chatuchak stabbing

Two men who seriously wounded a Thai Post journalist during a robbery in Soi Suea Yai Utis Yai in Bangkok's Chatuchak district early Tuesday, say they had no intention of hurting the victim but reacted when he put up a fight.

Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Khamronwit Thoopkrajang presented the two suspects at Thursday's press conference. They are Preecha Wararam, 19, who robbed and stabbed the victim Suwat Panjawong, 29, in the neck and Saran Chunim, 23, who was driving the motorcycle while Preecha scouted for victims. The duo, nabbed at an apartment in Soi Suea Yai Utis on Wednesday along with the getaway motorcycle, face charges of robbery and attempted murder.

Metropolitan Police Division 2 chief Suthee Nanekantee said the duo reportedly confessed to police, admitting they had assaulted the victim but saying they didn't intend to cut or murder him. The duo claimed the victim resisted the robbery and that the stabbing was accidental.

Suthee said Saran had reportedly committed similar crimes and was wanted in Nonthaburi's Bang Bua Thong district as well as by Chokchai police. He also faces charges for taking yaba.

After the press conference, police took the pair to reenact the crime at the scene and pointed to the roadside bushes where they dumped the knife.