Community Missing 73-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Palm Plantation After Two-Day Search

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 73-year-old man who had been missing for two days was found dead in a water channel within an oil palm plantation in Phatthalung province. The discovery followed a family-led search aided by a spiritual medium.

 

On the evening of 21 May, Pol Lt Sommai Kuesuk, Deputy Inspector of Mueang Phatthalung Police Station, received a report of a body found in a waterlogged area in Moo 6, Prang Moo Subdistrict, Mueang District. Rescue officers from Phatthalung were dispatched to the scene.

 

The body, later identified as Mr Phuang Kamsen, was found submerged in a channel approximately two metres deep. His head was just visible above the water’s surface, and his clothing was discovered nearby.

 

Initial examinations conducted by rescue officials revealed no signs of physical assault or injury. It is believed Mr Phuang had been deceased for about 48 hours.

 

According to Mr Pom, the deceased’s 40-year-old nephew, Mr Phuang had gone missing during the night of 19 May. The family realised he was gone the following morning and immediately alerted local authorities and village leaders. Together with community members, they launched a search that lasted throughout the day but ended in vain at nightfall.

 

A formal missing person report was filed with the Mueang Phatthalung Police Station, and rescue teams were again deployed the following day.

 

Mr Phuang’s body was eventually discovered just 200 metres from his residence, in the water channel of a nearby oil palm plantation. Authorities were promptly notified to inspect the scene.

 

Mr Pom added that his grandfather lived alone. His wife would occasionally visit, while his children had long moved to work in other provinces, returning home infrequently. Mr Phuang had recently been unwell and had visited a local hospital before returning home, only to disappear later that night.

 

The family noted that he had exhibited signs of memory loss and dementia. Precautions were taken to look after him, but no one had been present at the time he left the house.

 

Authorities reported no suspicion of foul play, and the body was sent for a routine autopsy before being returned to the family.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-23.