Drug-Fuelled Son Arrested for Killing Mother in Phayao

Picture courtesy of Daily News

A 33-year-old man has been arrested after killing his mother in a brutal knife attack inside their home in Phu Sang district, Phayao province. The victim died at the scene from multiple severe wounds, prompting an immediate police operation to locate and arrest the suspect. The case has shocked local residents due to the violence involved and the family relationship between the suspect and the victim.

Police said the incident occurred at around 10.30pm on 1 February, after officers at Phu Sang Police Station were alerted by villagers. Rescue workers from the Sawang Phayao Foundation and a duty doctor from Phu Sang Hospital were dispatched to the house in Ban Mai Charoen Suk village, Thung Kluai subdistrict. Inside, officers found the body of a 68-year-old woman lying in a pool of blood.

The victim was later identified as Mrs Lee Kitthanarun, aged 68. Her body showed multiple slash wounds to the head and hands caused by a sharp weapon. Several fingers had been severed and were found in different locations inside the house.

Relatives at the scene told police the attacker was Mrs Lee’s son, Mr Keng Kitthanarun, aged 33. After the attack, he fled the house and hid at the edge of the village. Investigators quickly coordinated a search operation in the surrounding area.

Pol Lt Col Boromwich Wangnaikul, an investigating officer at Phu Sang Police Station, said the suspect was arrested a short time later. Mr Keng confessed to killing his mother and identified the weapon as a long-bladed sickle-style knife measuring about 25 centimetres. The knife was seized as evidence.

According to preliminary questioning and witness accounts, the suspect appeared to be under the influence of drugs before the attack. Family members said his behaviour prior to the killing suggested drug intoxication. Police are continuing detailed questioning to establish the full sequence of events.

The suspect is currently in police custody and is being formally charged. Officers said he will face criminal charges related to homicide. Further legal proceedings will follow once the investigation file is completed.

Daily News reported that authorities said forensic examinations and witness statements will be used to support the prosecution. Police also confirmed they will coordinate with medical and social agencies if additional background information is required. The case remains under active investigation.

Key Takeaways

• A 33-year-old man admitted to killing his 68-year-old mother in Phu Sang district, Phayao.

• Police said the attack occurred on 1 February using a 25cm sickle-style knife.

• The suspect was arrested shortly after fleeing and is facing serious criminal charges.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-02-03