Shopkeeper Killed With Hoe in Suspected Robbery in Udon Thani

Picture courtesy of Naewna

Police in Udon Thani are investigating the murder of a 59-year-old shopkeeper known as “Je Nong,” who was found dead inside her store near Phen market. She had suffered severe head injuries caused by a small iron hoe, with officers suspecting the motive was robbery. The killing, has shocked traders and residents in the busy market area.

Pol. Lt. Yuenyong Khambon of Phen Police Station received the report and notified Pol. Col. Pathavee Konwimon, superintendent of the station. Investigators and forensic officers attended the scene, where the body of the victim, identified as Phetcharaporn “Je Nong,” was found lying face down in the shop. The store sold groceries and household goods and had been a fixture in the community for decades.

An autopsy confirmed that the victim died from a violent head injury inflicted with a hoe and had been dead for at least five hours before discovery. Officers believe the fatal attack occurred between midnight and 01:00.

Police suspect the assailant entered the shop intending to steal, but encountered the owner and killed her to silence her. Pol. Col. Pathavee has ordered investigators to review CCTV footage from the shop and nearby locations to identify the suspect. Authorities are treating the case as a serious and brutal crime.

Relatives described the victim as kind-hearted and generous, with a long history of running her business for more than 30 years. Her younger sister, Ms. Tikta, said the shop had been repeatedly targeted by thieves in recent months, prompting Je Nong to sleep on the premises. She believes the attacker may have returned to steal again, leading to a confrontation that ended in murder.

Ms. Nok, a 48-year-old employee of the shop, was the first to find the body. She said she was shocked to see Je Nong lying in a pool of blood and immediately alerted police. She added that just one day earlier, thieves had stolen 26,000 baht from the store, leading Je Nong to stay overnight at the shop.

Key Takeaways

• A 59-year-old shopkeeper was killed with a hoe in Phen district, Udon Thani.

• Police suspect the killing was linked to a robbery after recent thefts at the shop.

• Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to track down the perpetrator.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-09-19