19-10-2023 (BANGKOK) A Singaporean businessman identified as Liang, 47, was reportedly attacked by five individuals in Thailand, where he was shot approximately 20 times with an air gun and assaulted with a wine bottle. The appalling incident occurred on March 8, 2022, in Mae Sot, a city in western Thailand bordering Myanmar. Liang revealed the shocking details of the attack during an interview with Shin Min Daily News on Oct 17.
Liang’s Journey to Thailand
Liang initially ventured to Thailand in 2018 to pursue business opportunities in the healthcare product industry. He met his wife there, subsequently investing nearly S$200,000 to support her grocery store venture. In his business dealings, Liang came into contact with Chairat Setthiwanit, 29, for discussions related to car trading, which ultimately did not materialize.
Growing Suspicion and a Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted travel, Liang began to notice increased interaction between his wife and Chairat. Growing increasingly suspicious of their relationship, he made a trip to Thailand in September 2021. During this visit, he arranged for his wife and child to move from Mae Sot to Bangkok, with clear terms stating that she was free to go with Chairat if she wished to do so.
The Terrifying Assault
On March 8, 2022, Chairat, along with his younger brother Chajita, 22, and three other men, violently entered Liang’s villa in Mae Sot. Under the cover of night, they scaled the villa’s wall and forcibly entered the master bedroom near the swimming pool. A brutal attack unfolded, with Chairat and Chajita using handheld air guns and air rifles to shoot Liang. Simultaneously, the other three assailants physically assaulted the Singaporean, leaving him severely injured. To add to the horror, Liang was struck on the head with a red wine bottle during the ordeal.
Liang’s wife pleaded with Chairat to spare her husband’s life, but Chairat ordered her and their child to leave with him. Liang, battered and bloodied, was left behind but managed to maintain consciousness. He reached out to friends, who subsequently took him to the police and the hospital. Liang’s injuries included a serious head wound requiring 36 stitches and over 20 gunshot wounds on his body, two of which were near his left ribs and one on the left chest. The remaining 17 were on his back.
Legal Proceedings
The shocking events at the Mae Sot residence led to a legal case. Chairat, the alleged assailant, maintained his innocence and faced charges of causing serious injury, making threats, and property damage. In February 2023, the case was heard in the Mae Sot court. Court documents revealed that Chairat and his brother were sentenced to one year in jail and ordered to pay over 318,000 baht (S$11,997) in compensation. Dissatisfied with what he perceived as a lenient punishment, Liang has filed an appeal. He believes the attackers intended to take his life. It was also noted that other parties involved have similarly appealed their sentences.
Potential Fatality and Psychological Impact
Liang emphasized that one of the wounds on his left chest could have been fatal if deeper. The assault left him unable to resume his daily life for more than 20 days. Upon returning to Singapore, he sought medical assistance due to persistent psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and recurring nightmares.
Involvement of a Local Triad
Liang believes that Chairat is connected to a local triad network in Thailand, making it challenging for his wife to break free from his influence. Chairat allegedly forced Liang’s wife to file a false police report in Thailand, falsely accusing her husband of impersonating her on Facebook. This ultimately led to the police’s involvement.
The fate of Liang’s wife and child was not reported in Chinese press accounts.
