CHIANG MAI, Thailand – A senior executive of insurance giant AIA Thailand is in critical condition after allegedly being assaulted by a group of men during a violent confrontation at a community mall in Chiang Mai on the evening of June 4. The victim was identified as Thanakrit Wichiansamut, a senior executive overseeing AIA’s northern operations. According to witnesses, he had been attending a celebratory gathering with colleagues and insurance agents to mark his upcoming appointment to a higher management position.
One of the injured parties, Kantames Vithunchaisin, said his group was dining at a restaurant within the community mall when a separate group of approximately 20 young men, who were also at the venue, approached them to discuss dissatisfaction with insurance-related services. He said the initial conversation remained calm, with both sides exchanging information and contact details without incident. However, tensions reportedly escalated later after both groups left the restaurant and encountered each other in the parking area.
According to the account provided to police, members of the insurance group attempted to move Thanakrit away from the dispute and were speaking near a restroom area by a stairway when violence suddenly erupted. Kantames alleged that a man from the opposing group punched him in the face before another large individual repeatedly struck Thanakrit, causing him to collapse unconscious. The situation allegedly escalated into a wider brawl, with reports that bottles were also used as weapons during the confrontation.
A total of four people were injured, including three men and one woman. Thanakrit suffered the most serious injuries and was rushed to hospital, where doctors reportedly found a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain. He has undergone surgery and remains in the intensive care unit. Kantames said he has filed a police complaint with Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station and is calling for a fair and transparent investigation. He also expressed concern over rumors that influential figures may be assisting members of the opposing group, although no evidence supporting such claims has been publicly presented.
He described Thanakrit as a well-liked and courteous individual who was respected by colleagues and friends, adding that he did not believe the executive had initiated the conflict. According to Pol. Col. Pratchaya Thisala, investigators are currently gathering evidence from both sides. Police are expected to summon members of the opposing group, reportedly residents of Lampang, for questioning as the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet announced any charges, and the case remains under investigation.
