Man Killed by Friend in Brutal Axe Attack Over Drugs
A 33-year-old man confessed to killing his friend with an axe in Buriram on September 25, with police suspecting a dispute over methamphetamine escalated into the brutal attack that left the victim with severe facial and chest injuries.
On September 28, police from Palabplachaidet police station in Buriram arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of murdering his 34-year-old friend, whose body was found in his home. The suspect later confessed to carrying out the killing on the night of Friday, September 25, using an axe to repeatedly strike the victim's face and chest before fleeing the scene. He claimed the attack arose from a quarrel, but police are skeptical of his account.
Police doubt the suspect's explanation because urine tests showed signs consistent with drug use, and they suspect both men may have been in conflict over methamphetamine. Investigators theorize the suspect may have come to ask for drugs, been refused, and escalated to violence. The rescue unit's preliminary examination of the body revealed severe injuries: multiple sharp-force wounds to the face and chest, a crushed skull, lacerations, extensive bruising, and one eye missing, suggesting a sustained and frenzied attack.
Neighbor Samaeo, 53, reported that the victim usually played loud music daily, but no sound was heard on Saturday, September 26. The victim's mother discovered the body when she returned home after helping prepare sticky rice for a merit ceremony. The victim's aunt, Noen, 59, said she was overwhelmed by the brutality of the injuries, including the removal of an eye, and was shocked that someone who regularly ate and slept at the house could commit such an act. Police initially charged the suspect with intentional murder and drug possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
