Woman Arrested After Allegedly Killing Mother-in-Law in Phuket Home

A woman has been arrested in Phuket after allegedly killing her mother-in-law during a violent domestic dispute at their home in Chalong on the morning of August 1.

Police were called to the residence in Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, at approximately 9:25 a.m. after neighbours reported a fatal incident.

Officers found the victim, 74-year-old Chantra, dead inside the house. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Sri, was discovered in the bathroom after neighbours had restrained her until police arrived.

According to investigators, the two women were alone in the house when an argument reportedly escalated. Police believe Sri allegedly used a kitchen knife to fatally attack and decapitate her mother-in-law.

She was taken into custody at the scene and later transferred to Chalong Police Station, where she was formally charged with murder. The victim’s body was sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Police said the suspect’s husband, who is also the victim’s son, had left for work shortly before the incident. He told investigators that he and Sri had been married for more than ten years and that she had been caring for his elderly mother on a daily basis. He also stated that Sri had been receiving treatment for a psychiatric condition since 2016.

A witness, 34-year-old Thapanee, told police she was passing the house when she noticed the elderly woman lying near the entrance. At first she believed the woman had collapsed and went to call relatives for assistance. When she returned and saw blood, neighbours immediately contacted emergency services.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the exact circumstances and motive behind the attack.