Territorial Defense Volunteer Found Dead After Heavy Drinking

A territorial defense volunteer was found dead in a bathroom vomiting blood, with 10 bottles of white liquor lined up nearby. Police suspect he died from excessive drinking causing a stomach rupture. On November 3, 2026, Lt. Prinya Thitichai-kulkan, an investigator at Mae Hong Son City Police Station, received a report of a man dead inside a quarters on Pang Lon Nikom Road in Jong Kham subdistrict, Mae Hong Son province. He investigated with the on-duty doctor from Sri Sangwal Hospital and Mae Hong Son Rescue Foundation staff. The scene was a two-story concrete house; the body of 41-year-old Sergeant Major Chatchawan, a volunteer with the 1st Mae Hong Son Territorial Defense Regiment, was found face down on the downstairs bathroom floor. There were no wounds or signs of assault, but bloodstains were on the floor. No signs of a struggle or ransacking were found, and 10 bottles of white liquor were standing in a row. Investigation revealed the deceased lived with his two sons; his wife works in Bangkok. He regularly drank alcohol. On the previous Sunday, he had taken leave from his regiment, citing illness. Two days later he was found dead in the bathroom. Police initially suspect his regular heavy drinking caused a stomach or liver lesion leading to hematemesis. Since no one witnessed the event, he died in the bathroom. However, police will conduct an autopsy and gather evidence to determine the exact cause of death.