Brother Kills Mentally Ill Sibling in Axe Attack in Phayao

Pictures courtesy of SiamNews 

A man was killed inside his home in Phayao province after being struck on the head with an axe during a family dispute on 26 December 2025. Police said the victim died at the scene from severe head injuries and the suspect, his older brother, was arrested shortly afterwards. The incident has prompted renewed attention on domestic violence linked to untreated mental illness and long-running family conflict.

The attack occurred at about 1.30pm at a house in Ban Pin subdistrict, Dok Khamtai district, Phayao. Investigators from Dok Khamtai Police Station were alerted by the radio centre and attended the scene with medical staff from Dok Khamtai Hospital. The victim was found lying on his back inside the house, wearing a black sleeveless shirt and no trousers, with extensive head wounds and blood covering his face.

The deceased was later identified as Mr Saiphon Yarungsi, aged 50. Police said the suspect was Mr Somsit Yarungsi, aged 63, the victim’s elder brother, who lived nearby. Officers established that the brothers were biological siblings and had a history of frequent disputes.

According to the investigation, Mr Saiphon had a psychiatric illness that caused him to speak incoherently. This condition had contributed to repeated arguments between the two men. Police also said there was an unresolved conflict relating to their father, who had died several years earlier and attempts at mediation had failed.

On the day of the incident, the brothers reportedly argued violently before Mr Somsit attacked Mr Saiphon with an axe, striking him on the head. The injuries proved fatal and Mr Saiphon died immediately at the scene. A forensic examination was carried out by investigators and a hospital doctor, with photographs, scene mapping and evidence collection completed.

SiamNews reported that a police investigation team later tracked down and arrested the suspect. The axe believed to have been used in the attack was seized as evidence. Mr Somsit was taken into custody and handed over to investigators for legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

Key Takeaways

• A 50-year-old man was killed by his elder brother in an axe attack in Dok Khamtai, Phayao, on 26 December 2025.

• Police said long-standing family disputes and the victim’s psychiatric illness contributed to the fatal confrontation.

• The suspect, aged 63, was arrested and the weapon seized, with the case proceeding through the legal system.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Siamnews 2025-12-28