Picture. From responders.

 

A 73-year-old man was found burned to death in his hut in what police suspect to be a brutal murder. His charred body was discovered tied with wire around his hands and neck, with a knife placed beside him.

 

The incident occurred late on 31 January next to a rice mill in Khong Chai district, Kalasin. A local Facebook user live-streamed the fire, reporting that the victim was the father of a prominent local businessman known as “Sia Jo,” the owner of Kaen Khun Rice Mill. The footage showed the hut engulfed in flames, with a motorcycle nearby that appeared to have been deliberately pushed over.

 

The deceased was identified as Mr. Boonliang Jantasri, 73, the owner of the hut. Police found evidence suggesting he had been restrained before the fire, including what appeared to be electrical wire or metal cord binding his hands and neck. A sharp knife was also found next to his body.

 

Police officers and forensic teams have since examined the scene, with locals gathering to observe the investigation. The Kalasin provincial police chief has visited the site to oversee the inquiry.

 

Mrs. Sirirat Thinratsamee, a neighbour, told reporters that she had received a phone call close to midnight, prompting her to rush to the scene. She found a group of teenagers parked outside the rice mill, who reported seeing a woman riding away on a Honda scooter.

 

The teenagers claimed the woman later returned and asked them if they had seen two women leaving the area. They denied seeing anyone, but noticed the hut had already caught fire. When they asked if they should intervene, the woman allegedly told them to stay back, warning that they could be accused of trespassing.

 

Further reports suggest that at around 21:00 on the night of the fire, the victim’s daughter was seen purchasing petrol from a local shop. However, the shop owner later refuted this, stating she had only bought a bottle of Coca-Cola.

 

Kalasin police chief Pol. Col. Korrakop Netthaisong confirmed that officers had already taken a suspect in for questioning at Khong Chai Police Station. Authorities are now gathering further evidence and witness statements.

 

The victim’s body has been sent to Khon Kaen Hospital for autopsy. Investigators are considering multiple possibilities, including murder and arson, and have not ruled out the possibility of suicide.

 

Police have stated that they expect to solve the case soon.

 

-- 2025-02-02

 

UPDATE

Daughter Confesses to Setting Fire to Father’s Hut in Kalasin Murder Case