Former Radio DJ Found Dead After Assault in Bangkok Park

Vichai, 39, from Kamphaengphet Province, was once a celebrated community radio host, comedian, and TikTok content creator before his life unraveled into homelessness and ultimately death. Police arrested Tawee (Tom) after Vichai was found dead in Benjakitti Park's pond in Bangkok's Thonglor area on August 22. Tom claimed he threw Vichai into the water after a fight, alleging Vichai was mentally unstable and harassing tourists.

Vichai's grandfather, 78, told reporters he could not believe his grandson had become homeless. He recalled that Vichai was once a celebrated radio host in neighboring districts with a reputation for community service, and was sponsored through his education by a Buddhist monk. The family learned only recently that Vichai had moved to Bangkok to work as a security guard. His grandfather noted that Vichai had struggled with alcohol in his final period and may have faced serious personal problems.

Neighbor Malay, 59, remembered Vichai as a good-natured child who loved storytelling and was confident and outgoing. She recalled he briefly ordained as a monk and later became famous for broadcasting live TikTok videos to earn income. She was shocked to hear allegations that he engaged in harassment and was killed because of it, saying such behavior was completely out of character.

Phra Kru Satthavachirakon, abbot of Wat Pradat Jet Lang temple in Lan Krathip District, Kamphaengphet, had sponsored Vichai's upbringing since childhood after Vichai's mother died in an accident and his father suffered brain damage from a separate accident. The abbot explained that Vichai completed vocational training, became a celebrated radio host with his own family, but went through repeated cycles of monastic ordination and lay life, eventually moving to Bangkok for work before disappearing.