Police Hunt Killers of Undertaker in Krabi

Police in Krabi are hunting suspects in the killing of a 70-year-old undertaker whose body was transported more than 20km and dumped in a remote forest after being doused with acid. Investigators believe more than one offender is involved due to the effort required to move the body. The victim, Sompong Saengsaeng, was found three days after his death.

Get today's headlines by email

The case centres on the killing of the undertaker from Wat Pak Nam in Plai Phraya district, Krabi. His body was discovered near a roadside forest along the Khao Phanom–Ao Luek route in Ban Khao Kaew, Moo 8, Na Khao subdistrict, Khao Phanom district, before noon on 4 May. Evidence suggests he was attacked at his hut in a palm plantation in Moo 4, Plai Phraya, before being transported to the dump site.

Police say the attack likely occurred between 18:00 on 30 April and midday on 1 May. A friend who went to check on him after midday on 1 May found signs of a struggle in and around the hut but no trace of the victim. The investigation has since been transferred from Khao Phanom police station to Plai Phraya police station, where officers are focusing on robbery as a possible motive.

A 34-year-old man from Narathiwat, believed to be the last person seen with the victim, is a key suspect. Police believe the attackers used a wooden object or blunt instrument to strike the victim’s head before placing the body in a 200-litre plastic drum to avoid detection during transport. At the dump site, acid commonly used in rubber processing was poured over the body to accelerate decomposition, with a container of acid found nearby.

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

Local residents became aware of the body after a pickup truck crashed near the site on the evening of 3 May. The driver reported losing control and crashing, but then noticing a strong foul odour before discovering the body. Some superstitious locals believe the victim was somehow signalling his location.

ThaiRath reported that authorities note the dump site is secluded and has been used in the past to dispose of bodies due to its isolation. Police continue to gather evidence and track suspects, with arrests expected as the investigation progresses.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 6 May 2026