Phuket City Police were notified at 11:42am yesterday (Dec 17) that a woman had died after being brought to the emergency room at Mission Hospital Phuket, according to investigators.
Pol Lt Col Yutthaphol Phromdaw of Phuket City Police reported that he was alerted by the station’s radio centre and immediately informed the station superintendent, Pol Col Chatree Chukaew. He then led a team of senior officers to the hospital to investigate.
At the emergency room, police found the body of Kai Sriputhorn, 51, a resident of Ratsada. A preliminary physical examination revealed extensive bruising to her face and body, consistent with a violent assault.
Following the hospital examination, police proceeded to the scene of the incident at a house in Soi Kingkaew, Soi 9, Ratsada. At the residence, officers encountered Somnuk Wiset, 54, who identified himself as the homeowner and appeared to be intoxicated at the time.
During questioning, Somnuk allegedly confessed to police that he and his wife had been drinking alcohol together at the house shortly after midnight. An argument then escalated into violence, during which he admitted to beating Ms Kai with a broom handle and physically assaulting her.
Police reported that Somnuk told officers that later that morning he noticed his wife was still asleep and covered in bruises. He then called emergency medical services via 1669 for assistance before leaving for work. Ms Kai was transported to Mission Hospital Phuket, where she later died from her injuries.
A search of the bedroom at the house uncovered a broom with a broken handle, which Somnuk allegedly identified as the weapon used in the assault. The broom was seized as evidence.
Somnuk was taken into custody and transferred to Phuket City Police Station for further interrogation. Police confirmed that legal proceedings are under way as investigators prepare formal charges in connection with the death.