79-Year-Old Father-in-Law Kills Son-in-Law in Dispute Over Family Property

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

A tragic incident unfolded early this morning in the Pak Tho district of Ratchaburi, where a 79-year-old man shot and killed his 72-year-old son-in-law following a heated argument. The victim, identified as Mr. Natt, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head outside a house in the village of Yang Hak.

Police were alerted to the scene at approximately 08:00 on 28 April and arrived to find the victim’s body, wearing a blue T-shirt, grey trousers, and boots. His assailant, later identified as 79-year-old Mr. Boonmee, was waiting for police at the scene and was found holding a shotgun, which he had used in the attack. He was immediately taken into custody.

According to the victim’s wife, she and her husband had been helping her father at his farm earlier in the day, spraying pesticides on crops. She explained that after the work, she and her husband were preparing to go to the hospital. However, her father, known for his fiery temper, followed them home on his motorcycle. Upon arriving at the house, a confrontation ensued between her husband and father, during which a gunshot was fired. The wife rushed outside to find her father holding the shotgun, who then stated, “Your husband is dead.” In shock and grief, she immediately called the police.

The motive behind the shooting is believed to be rooted in family tensions. The wife noted that her father had always been protective of his property and was suspicious of anyone attempting to claim it. This behaviour, coupled with long-standing marital disputes between her parents, may have contributed to the build-up of stress that led to the tragic event. The wife’s mother had reportedly moved out of the family home due to constant arguments with her husband, adding to the strain in the household.

Nopparat Jan Sam Ang, an assistant village headman, confirmed that after the shooting, Mr. Boonmee returned to the farm to collect agricultural tools before returning to the house, where he did not attempt to flee. Upon the arrival of the police, he was promptly apprehended and taken for questioning. Investigators believe that the shooting stemmed from a combination of property-related concerns and the elderly man’s accumulated stress.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khomchadluek 2025-04-29.