Deputy School Director Found Dead in Forest Near Prachantakham Waterfall

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

Tragedy struck when the lifeless body of a 43-year-old deputy school director was discovered in the forest near the Takro Waterfall in Prachantakham district, Prachinburi province. The man, identified as Mr. Wichai, had been missing since the afternoon of December 3, 2024.

 

On the morning of December 4, Pol. Sub-Lt. Sombat Wangwon, an investigator from Prachantakham Police Station, received a report from Khao Yai National Park rangers at Checkpoint 10 (Takro Waterfall) regarding the discovery of a body. Authorities, including rescue volunteers and a medical examiner from Prachantakham Hospital, rushed to the scene.

 

The body was found approximately 300 metres inside the forested area near the waterfall in Moo 8, Buphai Subdistrict. A gray Isuzu pickup truck, believed to belong to the deceased, was parked near the trail leading to the waterfall. The man, dressed in a yellow T-shirt, gray shorts, and black sandals, was found hanging from a tree branch with a nylon rope. Authorities estimated that he had been dead for over 12 hours.

 

Investigations revealed that Mr. Wichai had left his home in Sri Maha Phot district on the afternoon of December 3. His last known location was near Takro Waterfall, as indicated by mobile tracking. CCTV footage from a shop about one kilometre from the waterfall captured him purchasing items at 13:48  on December 3. He bought two bottles of water, a bottle of soda, and a pink bottle of bathroom cleaner. Witnesses noted that he appeared cheerful during the purchase.

 

A park ranger working near the waterfall reported seeing the parked truck early on December 4. Uncertain of its owner, he ventured into the forest to investigate and found Mr. Wichai's body in a standing position, resembling someone urinating. Upon closer inspection, it was confirmed that he had hanged himself. Water bottles were found nearby, believed to belong to the deceased.

 

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the incident. The discovery has left the local community in shock, as Mr. Wichai was a respected educator in the area.

 

Police are awaiting further forensic results and statements from the deceased's family to understand the motives behind the tragedy.

 

-- 2024-12-05

 

 

[Georgealbert]