Picture courtesy of Naewna

A man who had been missing for more than three days was found dead floating in water beneath a bridge near the Chiang Kham Bus Terminal in Phayao province on Friday evening, prompting a police investigation and bringing a search operation to a tragic end. The discovery confirmed the fate of the missing person and brought closure to relatives who had been searching since his disappearance. Local rescue teams and police responded immediately after the body was reported.

The incident started on the morning of 2 January 2026, when officers at Chiang Kham Police Station were notified by a village headman that a resident of Ban Mai, Moo 8, Chiang Kham district, had disappeared from his home. The missing man had already been absent for more than three days and family members had been unable to locate him despite their own efforts. Concerned for his safety, they requested assistance from authorities and rescue organisations.

In response, Siam Phayao Foundation (Head Office) in Chiang Kham deployed volunteer rescue workers to conduct an urgent search. Teams were sent to inspect multiple locations considered high risk, including forested areas, streams and routes near the village. The search continued throughout the day in the hope of finding the missing man alive.

At about 6.30 pm on the same day, residents alerted authorities after spotting a human body floating in the water beneath a bridge near the Chiang Kham Bus Terminal. Rescue workers examined the scene and confirmed the deceased as Mr Taisit Wongyai, aged 42, a Phayao resident who matched the missing person report. The body was found to be bloated, consistent with the length of time he had been missing.

Officials from the Siam Phayao Foundation recovered the body from the water and coordinated with police officers for a preliminary examination at the scene. The body was later transported to Wat Bunnak, where relatives could receive it and proceed with religious funeral rites in accordance with local traditions.

Naewna reported that initial checks found no visible signs of assault or physical injury. A bottle of white liquor was discovered near steps leading down to the area, though its relevance remains unclear. Police have stated that further checks will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.

Key Takeaways

• A 42-year-old man missing for over three days was found dead under a bridge in Chiang Kham district on 2 January 2026.

• Rescue teams located the body after a public tip-off near the Chiang Kham Bus Terminal at about 6.30 pm.

• Police found no immediate signs of violence and are continuing inquiries to confirm the cause of death.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Naewna 2026-01-04

 

 

I have never known a country that has so many dead bodies turning up, almost on a daily basis......😥