Disabled 70-Year-Old Man Found Burned to Death in Ang Thong

Pictures courtesy of Kaoded

A 70-year-old disabled and mute man was found burned to death on the lawn outside his home in Pa Mok district, Ang Thong province, after relatives discovered his body several days after the incident. Police believe the victim may have been overcome by smoke after lighting a fire to burn rubbish, before flames spread and engulfed his body, causing his death. The case has raised concerns about the safety of elderly people with disabilities living alone in isolated homes.

Police were alerted to the incident at about 2.45pm on 13 January 2026, when relatives reported finding the body at a two-storey house in Moo 4, Narasingh subdistrict. Pol Lt Sub Lt Surasit Chaitieng, an investigating officer at Pa Mok police station, led the inquiry alongside Pol Col Phakin Kanthanakam, forensic officers, a doctor from Pa Mok Hospital and rescue workers from the Ang Thong Rescue Association. The property is located beside a road and enclosed by corrugated metal and wooden fencing.

At the scene, officers found extensive burn marks across the front lawn, a garden hose near a wheelchair and the body of the elderly man, which was badly burned. Authorities estimated that he had been dead for several days, as the body was bloated and emitting a strong odour. The victim lived alone, relied on a wheelchair for mobility and was unable to speak, according to relatives.

Family members said they had not visited the man for several days and only discovered his death when they came to check on him. They immediately notified police so the cause of death could be established. Investigators initially believe the man may have gone outside to burn rubbish, when the fire intensified and produced heavy smoke, causing him to inhale smoke and collapse before the flames spread to his body.

Neighbours told police they saw and smelled a large fire at the house on Sunday, which later died down. However, the property’s fencing meant the body was not visible from outside and no one realised a fatality had occurred. This delayed discovery highlights the risks faced by vulnerable individuals living alone without regular monitoring.

Kaoded reported that authorities have sent the body to the Institute of Forensic Science under the Ministry of Justice for a full post-mortem examination. Police say the results will determine the exact cause of death and confirm whether the incident was accidental, as initially suspected. Investigations will continue in accordance with legal procedures.

Key Takeaways

• A 70-year-old disabled and mute man was found burned to death outside his home in Pa Mok, Ang Thong.

• Police suspect he may have collapsed from smoke inhalation while burning rubbish, before the fire spread.

• The body has been sent for forensic examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Kaoded 2026-01-15