In the early hours of July 22, 2024, Pol. Lt. Col. Wichot Meepop, an investigator at Ao Nang Police Station in Mueang Krabi District, Krabi Province, received a distress call from a patrol unit reporting an altercation involving foreign tourists at a liquor store. The situation escalated into a knife fight resulting in injuries.
Following the alert, Pol. Lt. Col. Witthaya Kongthong, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Pol. Col. Jessada Saengsuree, Superintendent of Investigations, promptly dispatched a response team to the scene near the Hoi Chak Tin sculpture at Nopparat Thara Beach, Village No. 3, Ao Nang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Krabi Province.
The incident unfolded when a foreign tourist, later identified as Mr. Ross, a 35-year-old Australian, sustained a fatal stab wound to the abdomen. Emergency responders from Prachasantisuk Ao Nang swiftly transported him to Krabi Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Mr. Johnson, a 27-year-old American national, was apprehended at the scene with a fruit peeling knife believed to be the weapon used in the attack. Initial investigations revealed that prior to the tragic event, an argument between the two men erupted into a physical altercation. Allegedly unable to overpower Mr. Ross, Mr. Johnson resorted to using the knife, resulting in the fatal injury.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to ascertain the precise sequence of events leading to the altercation. Mr. Johnson remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
In accordance with protocol, officials have notified the respective embassies regarding Mr. Ross’s tragic demise to facilitate communication with his family.
Sources familiar with the incident indicated that the two individuals were not acquainted before the altercation, which reportedly began at a local liquor store in Ao Nang. The disagreement escalated when they encountered each other again at the scene, culminating in the fatal stabbing.
The Ao Nang community has been deeply affected by this tragic incident, highlighting the importance of safety measures and conflict resolution in tourist areas.
