Police Hunt Suspects After Finding Burnt Body on Road

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Police in Roi Et province have launched an urgent manhunt after the former subdistrict head of Khok Sawang was murdered and his body burned in what investigators believe was an attempt to conceal the crime. The killing has shocked residents of Kaset Wisai district, where the victim was a well-known local figure and prompted an immediate multi-agency investigation at the scene. Authorities say the brutality of the attack has heightened community concern and intensified police efforts to apprehend those responsible.

The body was discovered on the morning of December 28, 2025, on a road in front of a temple in Ban Som Hong village, Moo 12, Khok Sawang subdistrict, Kaset Wisai district, Roi Et. The deceased was identified as Mr Khamphan Wannsopha, aged 64, a former kamnan (subdistrict head) of Khok Sawang. His body was found severely burned alongside his sidecar motorcycle, which was also destroyed by fire.

According to police investigations, Mr Khamphan had left his home riding his sidecar motorcycle to check shrimp traps he had set in his rice field before heading back. Investigators believe he was ambushed by an unknown number of assailants, assaulted and then set alight using rice straw piled over his body. The attack is being treated as premeditated murder, with arson used to destroy evidence.

Later on December 28, Pol Col Pravit Toha, superintendent of Kaset Wisai police station, led officers, forensic specialists, an on-duty doctor from Kaset Wisai Hospital and rescue workers in a detailed examination of the scene. The victim’s body was found beside the temple grounds, burned beyond recognition, while the motorcycle had been completely gutted by fire. Evidence was collected for forensic analysis as part of the homicide inquiry.

Police said the crime has caused widespread alarm among villagers, given the victim’s former leadership role and the location of the killing near a place of worship. Investigators have not disclosed a motive but confirmed that the case is being treated as a serious violent offence with potential wider implications for local safety. Officers stated that the brutality suggests the perpetrators were determined to ensure the victim did not survive.

Daily News reported that authorities have confirmed that the investigation team has identified suspects linked to the killing. A manhunt is under way to locate and arrest those involved so they can be prosecuted under the law. Police said further updates will be released once arrests are made and formal charges are filed.

Key Takeaways

• A former subdistrict head in Roi Et was murdered and burned on December 28, 2025, near a village temple.

• Police believe the victim was attacked, rendered unconscious, and set on fire to conceal the crime.

• Investigators say suspects have been identified and a manhunt is ongoing.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-12-28