Pol Lt Phakpoom Rojanawiphak of Patong Police was informed of the incident by the 191 Provincial Police Station hotline at 12:05pm yesterday (Jan 11).
Patong Police Chief Pol Col Chalermchai Hirsawat was informed of the incident and joined responding officers, near the Government Savings Bank near Khok Makham Intersection on Phra Barami Rd.
At the scene, officers found a motorbike taxi driver collapsed unconscious in a chair. He had been stabbed three times under the right breast.
The motorbike taxi driver, later identified as Samanmart Ueanoth, 61, originally from Phetchaburi and locally known as ‘Uncle Mit’, was rushed to Patong Hospital, but later was pronounced dead from his injuries.
Witnesses told police that the other motorbike taxi driver involved in the fight, Thawatchai Kaewsamsri, 41, from Phatthalung, was last seen driving himself to Patong Hospital.
Samanmart and Thawatchai both worked for the same motorbike taxi group, called a ‘win’ in Thai, and both had been seen fighting before, mostly over Samanmart drinking alcohol while waiting for passengers, witnesses said.
The final fight yesterday was reportedly over customers being refused.
According to one witness, Samanmart was seen holding a knife, then Thawatchai kicked him.
Samanmart then stabbed Thawatchai, presumably in the leg. Thawatchai then grabbed the knife and stabbed Samanmart.
Officers yesterday sealed off the area while they continued their investigation. Police have yet to reveal more details about the case, and have yet to confirm whether or not Thawatchai is in custody.