A significant altercation involving a prominent local council chairman in Chiang Mai has left a resident severely injured, sparking outrage among the community. The incident took place when the chairman allegedly insulted and physically assaulted a local during a campaign event at the home of a former Chiang Mai provincial council member.
Reports from residents in a municipality area of Chiang Mai city indicate that the council chairman kicked a local man in the face, resulting in a broken nose and severe facial swelling. The injured party required surgery at a hospital.
The altercation occurred on December 22 during an evening gathering at the home of the former council member, who is well-known in the area. The local, along with the village headman, a village assistant, and other local politicians, was present to support the former council member’s election campaign.
A loudspeaker vehicle malfunctioned during the event, prompting the injured resident to attempt repairs. However, his efforts were unsuccessful.
This led to derogatory remarks from the council chairman, mocking the resident’s lack of knowledge in fixing the equipment. The resident retorted, stating that he was indeed knowledgeable and worked as a sound equipment repair technician.
This response reportedly angered the chairman, who then assaulted the resident. Several witnesses were present during the incident, yet none intervened or reported the matter to the police at the time.
Following the assault, the council chairman temporarily detained the injured resident. Due to the worsening condition of the victim, he was eventually released and instructed to seek medical attention at a hospital independently.
Journalists later visited the hospital to obtain a statement from the injured man, but his relatives informed them that he had been rushed into surgery. The victim was undergoing an urgent nasal and respiratory surgery, with expectations that he might be discharged from the hospital soon.
Plans were made to file a legal complaint against the council chairman once the medical certificate was obtained.
Relatives of the victim further reported that the council chairman had threatened the family post-incident, promising compensation at a later date, reported KhaoSod.
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