Former Village Headman Shoots Female Subdistrict Official & Brother Dead Over Land Dispute

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

A shocking double murder has rocked the normally quiet district of Na Muen in Nan province, after a former village headman allegedly shot dead a female subdistrict official and her brother in what police suspect was a bitter land dispute.

The incident began on the evening of 27 May, when police at Na Muen Police Station received reports of a fatal shooting near the wooden bridge intersection in Ban Nawai, Moo 8, Bo Kaeo Subdistrict. Investigating officers, led by Police Lieutenant Winai Notip and Police Colonel Thanaphat Khorasingh, rushed to the scene.

There, they discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Thanasak, 58, lying face down in the middle of the road. He had been fatally shot in the torso and right ribcage with a firearm of unknown type and calibre.

Officers quickly apprehended the alleged shooter at the scene. The suspect, identified as Mr. Phen, 60, a former village headman and former member of a local volunteer defence unit, resides in Moo 12, Na Thanung Subdistrict, also in Na Muen. Mr. Phen initially confessed to the shooting, claiming it stemmed from a longstanding land dispute with the victims.

In a development later that evening, at around 22:00, police were alerted to a second fatality. Ms. Suwisa, a subdistrict administrative officer (Palad Or Bor Tor) from Ping Luang Subdistrict and sister of the first victim, was found dead from gunshot wounds in the bathroom of her home in Moo 4, Na Thanung Subdistrict.

Police say the suspect has so far provided confusing and inconsistent statements and has not yet revealed the location of the firearm used in the attacks. Investigators believe both killings were connected to the same land-related conflict and are working urgently to recover the weapon and determine the full circumstances surrounding the case.

Authorities continue to investigate the motive and sequence of events as the community reels from the loss of two respected local figures.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-05-29.