Tragic Murder in Phitsanulok: Ratchada’s Life and Legacy

In the serene northern province of Phitsanulok, a shocking incident unfolded yesterday, sending ripples through the quiet community. At around 9 AM on June 10th, officers from Wang Thong Police Station rushed to respond to a chilling crime scene, located at a house doubling as a grocery store in Wang Thong district. The victim was none other than the store owner herself, a 44-year-old woman known as Ratchada, affectionately called Mod by those who knew her.

The morning had barely started when a medical team from Wang Thong Hospital confirmed the worst—Ratchada had succumbed to her injuries right at the scene. The attack was brutal, leaving at least 30 stab wounds on her back, with another piercing her chest. The horrific act took place just as Mod was preparing to head to the fresh market, her daily routine interrupted violently by an unexpected visit from her alleged lover.

Juti, the neighbor who became an unintended witness, recounted the ordeal to Channel 3. According to Juti, Mod barely had time to react before the assailant, determined and relentless, converged on her. Desperately, she tried to flee and sought sanctuary with Juti, collapsing before him. Helpless, he watched in horror as the attacker, undeterred by Juti’s shouts, mercilessly drove the knife into Mod repeatedly.

In an attempt to halt the relentless aggression, Juti courageously intervened, only for the attacker to turn the knife towards him, attempting another assault. Fortunately, Juti managed to evade, though haunted by regret for being unable to save Mod.

Meanwhile, Mod’s husband and son arrived at the heart-wrenching scene. Overcome with grief, her husband fainted at the sight of his beloved wife’s lifeless body. He recalled speaking to her that morning, unaware it was their final conversation. The tragic news of the attack spread rapidly, painting a picture of senseless violence that seemed out of place in this close-knit community.

The attacker, identified as 50-year-old Wuttipong Nimman—a singer at a prominent local restaurant—was apprehended at the scene. The evidence, a chilling 30-centimeter knife, was recovered by the police. In a confession following his arrest, Wuttipong claimed a prolonged affair of over three years with Mod, only to learn recently that she had been married for over a decade. His discovery turned into grim desperation, fueled by his own troubling health news: according to various reports, he had been diagnosed with HIV shortly before the attack.

Mod’s dual life as a grocery store owner and a singer in a local restaurant’s house band was known to many, including her colleague, Kunasorn. Working together for over two decades, Kunasorn described Mod as a warm, supportive presence who treated her fellow band members like family. Mournfully, Kunasorn noted that Wuttipong was not involved with the band, having never crossed paths with him.

Ton, Mod’s 18-year-old son, provided another perspective on the suspect. He recalled Wuttipong’s frequent visits to their home, often asking Mod for loans. Despite this closeness, Ton claimed no romantic links were apparent to him, suspecting the fatal motive lay instead in his mother’s refusal to lend more money.

As the case unfolds, Wuttipong faces charges under Section 288 of the Thai Criminal Code, with penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death sentence. The gravity of intentional murder underscores the severity of the crime, setting the stage for a legal battle ahead, where further investigations and charges may yet emerge.

While the village grapples with emotions of loss and disbelief, Mod’s memory endures among those who loved her, each person piecing together moments of laughter and kindness that colored her life—a life cut tragically short.