A soldier in Banteay Meanchey province is suspected of slashing his superior’s throat on Wednesday and fleeing, prompting authorities to deploy provincial police to monitor border checkpoints lest the suspect attempt to flee to Thailand, police said yesterday.

The killing was the result of an argument between victim Lieutenant Colonel Nget Kongrith, 29, of the investigation unit of Brigade 51, and suspect Te Bunthoeun, 41, who worked under him, said Rem Soviet, the commanding military officer in Preah Netr Preah district.

On the day in question, Soviet said, Bunthoeun allegedly beat his wife, who called Soviet – her brother – for help. Soviet, in turn, asked Kongrith to take him to Bunthoeun’s house for a talk.

According to Soviet, Kongrith chastised Bunthoeun upon arrival, and slapped him in the face multiple times. Bunthoeun left and allegedly rushed back in with a scythe and slashed Kongrith’s neck, Soviet continued. Kongrith then fell from his seat, and the suspect slashed him two more times and fled.