Perth teenager Lucky Fazzalari, just 14 years old, has tragically died following a violent altercation outside a grocery store in Thailand. The young boy was allegedly attacked by another student, marking the incident as both shocking and devastating for his family and friends.
On Tuesday evening, Lucky was reportedly stabbed in the back during what began as a fistfight with his schoolmate, just outside Sattahip, approximately 180 kilometers south of Bangkok. The altercation escalated when the suspect, also 14, allegedly used a fruit knife during the dispute. According to reports, the attack came after Lucky and his attacker agreed to meet to clear up tensions arising from their mutual dislike.
Witnesses indicate the fight began around 8:30 pm after the two boys arranged their meet-up through the popular social messaging application Line. Col. Tanapol Klinkesorn, director of the Sattahip police station, revealed the suspect grabbed the knife from his car after initially losing the physical confrontation.
“The other boy was bigger,” explained Tanapol. Unfortunately, it was at this point when the suspect stabbed Lucky, who then staggered away from the scene, collapsing shortly thereafter at the entrance of the store.
The Sawang Rojanatham Rescue Foundation confirmed they found Lucky lying on the ground with the knife still embedded in his back; its broken handle was located nearby. Reports indicate emergency services rushed to assist the teen, but he succumbed to his injuries before they could reach him.
Lucky's father, Tony Fazzalari, describes his son as “a beautiful kid” emphasizing the unconditional love shared within their family. Lucky had moved to Thailand to be with his mother, who is Thai, hoping to immerse himself fully in the culture and language. His father expressed the family’s disbelief at the circumstances, stating, “We never thought his life would be in danger—we were just shocked when we heard about this.”
His sister, Jessica Fazzalari, reflected on her brother’s vibrancy, describing him as charismatic, caring, and talented. “He could do anything,” she noted. Before relocating to Thailand, Lucky attended Clarkson Primary School and Clarkson Community High School back home, where he had developed friendships and interests. Lucky’s mother also voiced her grief, lamenting the loss of her son and yearning for answers as to why such violence had taken place.
After the violent incident, the alleged attacker reportedly fled the scene on a motorbike, escaping to his home approximately 400 meters away. He later turned himself to police about one hour after the stabbing, accompanied by his parents.
Charges have been filed against him for causing fatal physical harm to another person and for the use of the weapon, under the Thai Juvenile Crime Law. Following these charges, he has been released on 10,000 baht ($A270) bail, with reports indicating he faces up to 15 years imprisonment if convicted. The police are continuing their investigation, with increased scrutiny on adolescent violence trends within Thailand.
While violent confrontations among students are not uncommon, they rarely result in fatal injuries, particularly not among younger teenagers. The tragedy of Lucky’s death has raised awareness and concerns about the safety of children amid rising incidents of youth violence globally.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to Lucky’s family. A spokesperson shared their condolences, stating, “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.”
Tony Fazzalari and Lucky's two sisters are now scheduled to travel to Thailand to attend his funeral, facing the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye to their beloved son and sibling. The family, now mourning, must grapple with the unexpected loss, questions surrounding safety, and the circumstances leading to the tragic event. With investigations still underway, they seek justice and clarity as they navigate this painful chapter.