A restaurant owner in Thailand, Meena Pattha, 62, was fatally stabbed by an angry customer who claimed Meena did not prevent her from drinking too much, which led to her following two men home and getting sexually assaulted.

The victim, 62-year-old Meena Pattha, who operated a local food stall in Khlong Khlung district of the central Thai province, was attacked with a knife on Monday evening (18 Aug 2025). She was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.

She reportedly suffered 10 stab wounds to her neck, chest and arms.

Police arrested the 32yo female suspect at her home

Police later identified the suspect as Jaruwan Jaifai, 32, who fled the scene on a motorcycle. CCTV footage enabled investigators to track her down at her residence, where she was subsequently arrested.

“I haven’t slept all night. I don’t want to say anything. I’m sleepy.”
– Jaruwan

Initially refusing to answer questions, Jaruwan reportedly told officers she was “too tired” to speak. However, during interrogation she later admitted to carrying out the stabbing. She has been charged with intentional murder and unlawful possession of a weapon in a public place.

Meena actually tried to protect her but the suspect drunkenly refused

A co-worker at the stall, 50-year-old Malee Honghong, recalled that Jaruwan drank more than six bottles of beer and ate a dish of larb before joining other customers at a table.

“She was so drunk that she vomited and was rolling on the floor. Meena suggested she lie down in her son’s empty room, but she refused. Later, when Meena told the men to leave, Jaruwan became upset, insisting she had been ‘allowed’ to go with them. Meena wasn’t to blame – she was only trying to protect her,” Malee said.

Meena’s son returned from military duty at Thai-Cambodia border to bid final goodbye

“If there is another life, I wish you to be my mother again.”
– Meena’s son, Private Nirat Kongtum

Meena’s son, Private Nirat Kongtum, a 22-year-old soldier stationed on the Thai–Cambodian border, returned home to say his final goodbye. In a moving tribute posted online, he wrote: “You were always a good mother who never once struck me. If there is another life, I wish you to be my mother again.”

“I will never forget the lessons my mother taught me,” he said.

“I haven’t even been ordained as a monk yet. Why did you have to leave so soon? You were always a good mother, never once raising a hand against me. If there is another life, I wish for you to be my mother in every one. May you rest in peace.” His words captured the depth of the bond he shared with her.

Murder motive still unconfirmed by police

Although police have refrained from confirming a motive, a local who knew both the victim and the suspect suggested the stabbing may be tied to an alleged sexual assault.

According to this account, Jaruwan went to the restaurant alone on August 18, where she drank heavily until becoming severely intoxicated. She was later joined by two male customers.

They continued drinking until around 11 p.m., after which the men escorted Jaruwan out, placed her on a motorcycle, and drove off in a direction that was not her home. It is believed she was coerced into sexual acts, which she may not have been able to consent to due to her condition.

The local claimed that Jaruwan later returned to the restaurant to confront the owner, whom she blamed for allowing the men to take her away.

Reports from KhaoSod and other media indicate that this narrative is consistent with the CCTV evidence. However, authorities have yet to officially verify the motive, and the investigation is still ongoing.

Follow Wah Piang for more updates.

Source: Bangkok Post, The Thaiger