Elderly Man Killed and Burned at Roadside Shelter; Suspect Missing
A 68-year-old man was killed and his body burned at a roadside shelter in Saraburi province; a 40-year-old suspect with a drug addiction has gone missing and police are searching for him.
A brutal incident unfolded when a 68-year-old man was killed, his body placed on a pile of wood, and burned beside a roadside rest shelter. A young man suspected in the case has disappeared following the incident.
On July 15, Deputy Superintendent Surachai Chiang Wat Kaet of Mueang Saraburi Police Station received a report from residents about a killing and burning at a shelter in Prong Songuan Tai village, Lam Sompung subdistrict, Mueang Saraburi district. He and Captain Thanaphak Suwan, head of Mueang Saraburi Police Station, led an investigation team including detectives, forensic officers, hospital doctors, and rescue volunteers to the scene.
At the location, officers found a smoldering pile of wood with a charred body. Only the right leg remained partially unconsumed by the fire, and the skull was crushed, apparently from blunt force trauma. The victim was identified as Mr. Bua, 68 years old. Near the fire, investigators discovered a 50-centimeter fishing hook and scattered belongings including towels and pillows believed to belong to the victim. These items were collected as evidence.
Interviews with an 80-year-old resident, Ms. Dam, revealed that the victim had mental health issues but was not violent toward villagers and frequently slept at the shelter. Around 2 a.m., she heard what sounded like a quarrel and loud fighting near her house but did not investigate due to the darkness. By morning, neighbors informed her that Mr. Bua had been killed and burned at the shelter.
Ms. Dam suspected the perpetrator was Mr. Yam, 40, a fellow villager known to spend time with the victim and who struggles with drug addiction. Mr. Yam disappeared after the incident.
The victim's sister, Ms. Wanpen, 60, confirmed that her brother had mental health issues and regularly slept at the shelter. She recalled that when her brother had cash on him, the money would go missing, and she believes Mr. Yam was responsible for his death.
Police have deployed teams to locate Mr. Yam for questioning but have not yet found him. Preliminary investigation suggests the perpetrator knew the victim and likely attempted robbery, as the victim carried cash. A struggle may have ensued, leading the assailant to beat the victim's head with a wooden stick. The body was then placed on a pile of wood kept at the shelter and set on fire before the suspect fled the scene.
