Young Thief Dies in Detention Cell After One Day in Custody, with Over 10 Criminal Cases

A young thief suspected of multiple theft cases in temples and residential areas died in his detention cell after being in custody for only one day, with a history of over 10 criminal cases. On January 30, 2024, Police Lieutenant Jirajets Pansaeng from Cha-am Police Station received a report that the suspect had hanged himself in the police station cell in Phetchaburi Province. He reported the incident to Police Major Apirak Phoemchai, the station commander, and coordinated with district officials, prosecutors, and medical personnel to investigate the scene. The incident involved Ekasit, 32 years old, who was wanted on arrest warrants for attempted theft in public places of worship (temples) and nighttime residential burglaries. He was arrested on January 29 and placed in the Cha-am Police Station holding cell. Investigators found no signs of physical violence. Around 5:30 AM, the suspect used a sarong to hang himself from the cell bars before police discovered him. Background checks revealed more than 10 theft cases across various areas of Phetchaburi Province. The police initially believed the suspect may have been experiencing accumulated stress and, with no one to post bail, resorted to suicide. The body was taken to Phrachomklao Hospital for a definitive autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.