Brutal Murder: 65-Year-Old Taxi Driver Killed in Robbery, Grieving Wife Demands Justice
A 65-year-old taxi driver was found murdered in a rice field near Ayutthaya on May 5 after being robbed; police are investigating the killing as authorities search for suspects in the brutal attack.
On May 6, police in Chang Yai District, Bang Tai, Ayutthaya received reports of a murdered taxi driver found abandoned in a rice field approximately one kilometer from Highway 9. The body of Prasayad Buthong, 65, showed severe head trauma consistent with a robbery-related attack. The taxi was left at the scene with its door open.
Police have begun collecting fingerprints, DNA samples, and other evidence from the vehicle and surrounding area. Investigators learned from family interviews that the victim was carrying a mobile phone, cash of unknown amount, and a bank card with ATM PIN information stored in a plastic bag. The phone reportedly had no screen lock.
The victim typically carried documents, ID card, driver's license, and ATM card in a plastic bag placed in his pants or shirt pocket. A witness reported seeing groups of locals fishing in the area between 3-4 PM on May 4th, before heavy rain that evening. The body was discovered by fishermen the following evening on May 5th.
The crime scene is located at an abandoned beer factory waste dump. The area is only accessible to local farmers and residents who know the terrain, accessible via two routes.
At 9 PM, the victim's wife, Ms. Kung, arrived at the police station with their daughter. She revealed that she last saw her husband that morning when he dropped her at the market. He was carrying regular passenger fares as usual and typically returned home around 9 PM. When he didn't return and his phone was off, she became concerned.
Her husband worked as a contracted taxi driver with mostly regular customers who would call him for rides. He carried cash for making change, a recently purchased mobile phone that he was paying off, an ID card, and an ATM card. She estimated approximately 10,000 baht in the bank account, as most customers transfer funds electronically.
Still in shock, Ms. Kung stated she had no suspects in mind, noting that her elderly husband suffered from diabetes, kidney disease, and high blood pressure. "Why would anyone do something so cruel?" she asked, expressing her determination to see justice served if the perpetrator is found.
