Suspect Admits to Killing & Burning Man in Khon Kaen

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A man has confessed to killing and burning another man in Khon Kaen, after police arrested him near the crime scene. The incident took place on 28 September 2025 near a railway support column behind the Government Complex in Khon Kaen municipality, where residents first believed a pile of rubbish was being set alight. When they attempted to extinguish the flames, they discovered a body, covered by a burning tyre.

Police later identified the suspect as 35-year-old Mr. Anuwat, who was found intoxicated and incoherent nearby. Security camera footage showed him walking away from the fire wearing a red long-sleeved shirt, shorts, and an orange hat, before later returning to the scene. He was detained after officers compared his appearance with the video evidence.

During questioning on 29 September 2025, Mr. Anuwat admitted he had argued with the victim, a man known only as “Mai,” also believed to be aged 35. He said he stabbed the victim in the face with a glass and then set the body on fire using lighter fluid. Police charged him with three offences: murder, concealing a body to hide the cause of death and illegal use of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine).

Witnesses told police they initially thought the fire was rubbish being burned. One local shopkeeper said he saw the flames spreading quickly and ran to help with water, only to find a man’s body in the fire. Another resident, aged 39, recalled seeing the suspect in a red shirt running from the blaze and using water on himself, unaware that a killing had taken place.

Investigators confirmed the victim was a homeless man who had lived in the area for some time. Locals described him as helpful to the community, often cutting grass or collecting rubbish and said they had never seen him in conflict with others. Police are working to locate his relatives, with witnesses reporting he was known by the nickname “Mai” and believed to be around 35 years old.

Authorities are continuing forensic examinations while Mr. Anuwat remains in custody. Police will gather further evidence before forwarding the case to prosecutors. Community members have expressed shock at the brutality of the crime, which unfolded in broad daylight near busy roads.

Key Takeaways

• A 35-year-old man confessed to stabbing and burning another man in Khon Kaen.

• He faces charges of murder, body concealment and drug use.

• Police are seeking relatives of the victim, a homeless man known locally as “Mai.”

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-30