Thai Woman Hospitalized with Severe Injuries After Assault by Boyfriend Over Tardiness Inquiry

PATTAYA, Thailand — An October 8 assault has left a 27-year-old woman, identified only as Ms. Panpanat, with severe injuries including a collapsed lung, after what began as a routine inquiry into her boyfriend’s late return escalated into a violent attack. Currently hospitalized and dependent on a ventilator, she recounted the harrowing experience during a video call from her hospital bed.

According to Panpanat, who has been in a relationship with the perpetrator for over a year, the conflict arose when she asked him why he was late. His response was abrupt and violent; he flung a phone at her, then proceeded to punch, kick, and elbow her repeatedly. The brutality of the attack incapacitated her until her boyfriend finally fell asleep, at which point she was able to escape and seek urgent medical help from a friend.

Panpanat’s sister, 29-year-old Ms. Gam, revealed that this was not an isolated incident in her sister’s relationship. The boyfriend’s behavior had grown increasingly aggressive over time, despite showing no early signs of violence when their relationship began. Panpanat had tried to address his mental health issues and suspected depression by getting him professional help, but he discontinued his treatment. Furthermore, although the boyfriend was known to use marijuana, the family is confident he was not using other drugs.

The family speculates that jealousy might have fueled the attack, particularly as Panpanat’s job as an entertainer, where she serves drinks to customers, often provoked unwarranted suspicions from her boyfriend. In an attempt to alleviate the tension, Panpanat had been considering a career change, which now appears futile in the wake of this violent episode.

Despite previous instances of assault, this event marks the most severe. After earlier attacks, Panpanat returned to her boyfriend following his apologies. However, this time, the family has barred him from visiting her at the hospital as she recovers from the trauma of her near-fatal experience.

The ordeal has prompted the family to step back from the ongoing legal processes, entrusting them entirely to law enforcement, as they focus on Panpanat’s physical and mental recovery.

This brutal incident highlights the grim reality of domestic violence, shedding light on the complexities and dangers involved, especially when combined with substance use and mental health issues. As Panpanat fights for her life, her family remains by her side, hopeful for justice and her eventual recovery, while also advocating for increased awareness and stronger preventive measures against domestic violence.