Pattaya, Thailand – A seemingly ordinary road rage incident took a horrifying turn when a confrontation between a Thai cannabis vendor and an Indian tourist escalated into violence, resulting in the tourist being stabbed in the chest. The incident occurred on the evening of May 17th on Soi Pattaya 16 in the Nongprue sub-district of Bang Lamung district.
According to Pattaya Police, the 25-year-old cannabis vendor, identified as Nonthawat Sritamart, was promptly arrested after stabbing the 25-year-old Indian tourist, Gulshan, just below his left chest. Law enforcement officers, in collaboration with Sawang Boriboon rescuers, swiftly arrived at the scene to provide assistance to the injured tourist and apprehend the assailant. Nonthawat, who suffered cuts on his right hand and bruises on his body, was promptly taken into custody. Police also confiscated a knife believed to be the weapon used in the attack. Before being transported to the Pattaya Police Station, Nonthawat received necessary first aid.
Meanwhile, Good Samaritans who witnessed the incident came to Gulshan’s aid, taking him to a nearby hospital before the authorities arrived. Fortunately, his injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.
During the subsequent interrogation, Nonthawat disclosed that he earned his living as a cannabis vendor operating on Pattaya Walking Street. He claimed that his vehicle had collided with Gulshan’s on the road, prompting both men to halt their vehicles and engage in a discussion about the situation. However, the conversation rapidly spiraled into a physical altercation.
Reportedly, tensions flared when Gulshan allegedly trampled on Nonthawat’s belongings, which had fallen to the ground during the heated exchange. Enraged by this act, Nonthawat drew a knife from his pocket – an item he purportedly carried with him at all times – and stabbed the foreign tourist in the left chest.
An unidentified eyewitness, interviewed by local media, provided an account of the incident. According to the witness, the two individuals abruptly ceased their vehicles and commenced a violent exchange of punches in the middle of the road. The witness further observed Nonthawat being overpowered, leading him to resort to using a knife in an attempt to defend himself, resulting in the stabbing of the Indian man. Pattaya Police are actively pursuing legal action against Nonthawat in response to this shocking act of violence.
This incident marks yet another unsettling occurrence in Pattaya, following a recent stabbing a month ago. The previous incident involved the murder of a disabled 38-year-old vendor named Thotsapon, who operated a rental mats business on the beach. Thotsapon suffered fatal stabs to the chest and head, leaving the community on edge and desperate for answers.
As the investigation into these disturbing incidents continues, local authorities are faced with the challenge of maintaining public safety and preventing the recurrence of such violent encounters. The residents of Pattaya remain hopeful that swift justice will be served and that measures will be implemented to prevent future acts of brutality.
