Three teenagers have been arrested over the murder of a 19-year-old man whose body was buried in a eucalyptus grove in Si Sa Ket province, while another 19-year-old remains in a critical condition after the same attack. The arrests were confirmed on 2 March following the discovery of the body a day earlier. Police said the suspects confessed to the killing, citing a prior dispute.

Get today's headlines by email

The victim, Mr Sitthisak, 19, was found buried in a shallow grave, on 1 March 2026, with more than 30 stab wounds from a sharp object. His friend, Mr Kittisak also 19, suffered two stab wounds beneath his right ribcage and four to his back. He was initially treated locally before being transferred to Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition, on a ventilator and unconscious, with doctors describing his condition as “50-50”.

Relatives of the injured teenager said they were informed of the attack at about 04.00 hrs. His grandmother said the family initially believed he had been involved in a fight at a molam event, never imagining he had been lured to a fatal attack. She said doctors had advised the family to prepare for the worst as he has not regained consciousness.

The grandmother of Mr Sitthisak, who raised him from infancy, said she last spoke to him two days before his death when he took her to hospital for dental treatment. She had planned to attend a village headman’s wedding with him the following day. She added that he had recently applied to become a volunteer soldier and was due to report for duty in April.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

Pol Col Ratchayut Sakraphi, superintendent of Phrai Bueng Police Station, said three suspects had been arrested: Mr Prathan, 18, Mr Jirapong, 19 and Mr Jessada, 17, all from Samrong Phlan subdistrict, Phrai Bueng district. The group admitted arranging a meeting to settle an earlier conflict dating back to their time at the Sisaket Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre.

Amarin reported that investigators have charged the suspects with joint murder and concealing a body to hide the cause of death. Police said the weapon was a knife found at the scene, measuring 24 centimetres in total length including the handle. The suspects have been sent to a juvenile detention facility, as legal proceedings continue.

Related stories

Four-Myanmar-men-beat-American-to-death-in-Bangkok

Neighbour-stabs-24-year-old-man-to-death-in-Samut-Prakan

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 3 Mar 2026

View full record

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

dating back to their time at the Sisaket Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre

A Thai version of 'he was a good boy, he dindu nuffin' and 'he was turning his life around' as the UK press loves to print.

Thank goodness for the peace and serenity of Pattaya !

3 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

Thank goodness for the peace and serenity of Pattaya !

I used to read through the Isaan news section and thought the same thing. Pattaya, for all of its degeneracy, is an island of peace compared to the rural areas. I'd probably go crazy living in a village, too, especially without money.