A 54-year-old American tourist has been allegedly beaten to death with a metal pole in Bangkok following a love triangle dispute. Stein Heath Cole, from California, was killed on Monday afternoon outside a second-hand shop in the Soi Suk Sawat 26 area.
Police say Cole had been pleading with his ex-girlfriend, Nan Phawt Ar Cho, 24, to take him back when her current partner, Saw Nay Lin Oo, 26, and three other Burmese men attacked him. The suspects are accused of battering Cole with a metal pole, leaving him with five stab wounds and both legs broken. A 10-inch knife and a 3ft metal pipe were recovered at the scene.
One of the alleged killers suffered a stab wound during the fracas and was taken to hospital. The other suspects were identified as Saw Kyaw Win Tun, Saw Kyaw Htunt Paing, and the ex-girlfriend's brother, Thien Oo. All four have been charged with jointly assaulting another person causing death.
Police Colonel Sonchai Poonphol said the incident stemmed from a personal relationship dispute, with Cole unable to accept the break-up and following his ex-girlfriend. On the day of the attack, Cole allegedly produced a knife, provoking the suspects. The suspects claimed they had no intention to kill but lost control.
Shop owner Phanuwat said he warned his employees not to attack, but one charged at Cole with the metal pipe. Neighbours reported that Cole had been living alone across the street and had previously harassed his ex-girlfriend, leading to frequent rows. He was described as aggressive, a heavy drinker, and had no occupation.
