CHIANG MAI — A violent early-morning assault outside a Bo Sang department store has sparked outrage after a heavily intoxicated man allegedly kicked a 7-year-old autistic boy to the ground before turning on the child’s aunt when she intervened. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Ek, was arrested hours later following a police manhunt.

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The incident occurred at 4:15 AM on Monday in the Ton Pao subdistrict of San Kamphaeng. According to the victim’s mother, Ek violently struck her son without provocation. When the boy’s 25-year-old aunt rushed to help, the assailant reportedly attacked her as well before fleeing.

Police reviewed CCTV footage and located Ek at a nearby housing estate by 6:30 PM the same day. During interrogation, the suspect claimed he had been drinking heavily and became enraged by a barking stray dog moments before the assault. He admitted to lashing out at the boy and his aunt, who were simply passing by.

Ek now faces assault charges and remains in custody as investigators prepare his case. Authorities have not disclosed whether the child required medical treatment, but witnesses described the attack as unprovoked and brutal.

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Local residents expressed shock over the incident, with community leaders calling for stricter enforcement of public intoxication laws. The case has also drawn attention to the vulnerability of children with disabilities in public spaces.

-Thailand News (TN)