Suspect in Shop Owners Murder Faces Death Penalty Calls

Crime

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September 19, 2025Sep 19

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Relatives of a murdered shop owner in Udon Thani erupted in anger on 19 September, demanding the death penalty for the accused killer. Police escorted 34-year-old suspect Thanachai from custody for a reconstruction of the crime, but the session had to held inside Phen Police Station to prevent mob retaliation. Family members shouted abuse and attempted to confront him as officers later transferred him to court.

The case stems from the killing of 59-year-old Phetcharaporn “Je Nong” Sidakam, owner of a grocery and discount shop at Phen fresh market. She was found dead on 18 September after being struck with a hoe. Police investigations and CCTV evidence identified Thanachai, a former restaurant worker, as the suspect, leading to his arrest.

During questioning, Thanachai admitted entering the shop intending to steal money. He confessed that he had stolen from the shop several times before, taking more than 20,000 baht and on this occasion used the stolen cash to buy a mobile phone and make car payments. He claimed financial hardship from unstable work pushed him to commit the crime, but said he regretted the killing.

Relatives of the victim voiced strong opposition to any leniency. Je Nong’s niece, 29-year-old Best, said the family could never forgive the act, describing how her aunt was struck dead without any chance to plead for her life. She urged that Thanachai face the maximum penalty, even though capital punishment is rarely enforced in Thailand.

Friends of the victim expressed their grief at the market site. One close companion, 59-year-old Urai, said she had been wrongly suspected at first and questioned by police but was later cleared.

Thanachai’s 19-year-old girlfriend said she was shocked to discover his involvement, as he showed no unusual behaviour after the crime. The couple had been together for five years, and she described him as not previously prone to theft. She apologised to the victim’s family and asked that justice proceed through legal channels.

Police chief Pol Col Pathawi Konwimon confirmed that the suspect would face charges of robbery leading to death. Authorities decided against holding a public crime reenactment at the market, citing fears for the suspect’s safety. Officers pledged to gather all evidence and pursue the case fully.