Land & Water Row Leaves Man Dead in Chumphon Orchard

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

A 60-year-old man has died after being assaulted during a dispute over land boundaries and irrigation water in a durian orchard in Chumphon province. Police arrested a 75-year-old suspect shortly after the incident and are pursuing charges related to causing death through assault. The killing has shocked residents in the rural Thung Sae district and prompted a full criminal investigation.

The incident occurred on January 24, at about 14:30 on a dirt road in Village 12 of Rap Ro subdistrict, Thung Sae district, Chumphon. The victim, identified as Mr Sombun, 60, was found dead beside his motorcycle. He had a severe laceration beneath his right ear, consistent with being struck forcefully by a hard object.

Police said the altercation followed a heated argument between the victim and Mr Sutjai, 75. The dispute centred on land ownership and the use of water to irrigate durian trees in the orchard. Witnesses reported the argument escalated rapidly before the older man allegedly attacked Mr Sombun, leaving him fatally injured at the scene.

Pol Col Chalat Phonakan, superintendent of Thung Sae Police Station, led officers, investigators and forensic staff to examine the site. Evidence was collected and an autopsy was conducted to support the case file. Authorities said the suspect fled the scene by car immediately after the assault.

Investigators tracked Mr Sutjai to his home in Mueang Chumphon district and arrested him soon after the incident. He was taken into custody and transferred to Thung Sae Police Station for formal questioning. Police confirmed he is being charged with assault causing death.

The case highlights ongoing tensions in agricultural communities where land boundaries and shared water resources are contested. Such disputes can escalate quickly, particularly during peak farming periods when irrigation is critical. Local residents expressed concern about conflict resolution mechanisms and the need for mediation to prevent violence.

Amarin reported that police said the suspect remains in custody while investigators complete the case file. Further legal proceedings will follow as prosecutors review the evidence. Authorities have urged the public to resolve disputes through legal channels and avoid confrontation.

Key Takeaways

• A land and irrigation dispute in a Chumphon durian orchard ended with the death of a 60-year-old man on January 24.

• Police arrested a 75-year-old suspect shortly after the incident and charged him with assault causing death.

• Investigators are completing the case file as the suspect remains in custody pending prosecution.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-01-26