Decapitated Thai man’s head found in water tank, murderer remains at large
Following the murder of a Thai man in the southern province of Surat Thani, police finally located his missing head after five days of extensive search. However, the identity of the killer remains unknown.
The lifeless body of Sangiam Penrum, a 53 year old man, was discovered outside his residence in Surat Thani on November 11. Sangiam had been decapitated, and the mysterious disappearance of his head sparked concerns among locals, giving rise to suspicions of a potential involvement in a human sacrifice ritual.
According to locals, a Thai man named Kung was a suspect because of his unusual and erratic behaviour, which included performing sacrificial ceremonies and searching for hidden treasure. Police detained Kung for further questioning but did not disclose the results of the interrogation to the public.
As well as searching for the killer, officers also searched for Sangiam’s head to obtain more evidence that could lead to the killer’s identity.
After five days of searching, the officers traced a foul smell to a water tank 300 metres from the house and finally found Sangiam’s head yesterday, November 15.
The head was covered with two layers of plastic bags containing plant fertiliser, which had been hidden inside the water tank. The head was taken to a hospital for an autopsy to see if there were any traces of the killer.
Community leader Paisarn Songwihok admitted that the murder was the most frightening case the area had ever experienced and spread fear throughout the community, especially if the killer remained at large. Like other locals, he wanted to know the killer’s identity but understood that the authorities were working according to their procedures.
ORIGINAL STORY: Thai man accused of beheading neighbour in human sacrifice
Police arrested a Thai man in the southern province of Surat Thani for allegedly beheading his neighbour in a human sacrifice ritual.
The dead body, minus the head, of 53 year old Sangiam Penrum, was discovered at a house in a rubber plantation in the Kanchanadit district of Surat Thani province. Sangiam was found sitting on his knees in front of the house with his body leaning towards the floor.
Kanchanadit Police Station officers discovered a 12-inch knife used in the murder near the body. Officers could not locate Sangiam’s head. The knife is currently with forensics to determine the fingerprints left on it.
The house is owned by Sangiam’s mother-in-law, who was absent for several days leading up to the incident due to her hospitalisation for the treatment of congenital illnesses. Sangiam, who is divorced, resided alone with his mother-in-law, and as a result, no one was present to witness the murder or any suspicious activity.
Sangiam’s ex-wife, 51 year old Panthip Onpromp, informed the police that she shares a son with Sangiam. They divorced three years ago because he struggled with alcoholism and allegedly subjected her to physical abuse.
According to Panthip, Sangiam frequently consumed alcohol, but he never caused disturbances in public, and she was unaware of any conflicts with members of the community. After the divorce, she did not maintain contact with him and was uncertain if any issues arose. Expressing empathy, Panthip mentioned feeling sorry for Sangiam despite the end of their relationship. Their 18 year old son was reportedly devastated upon learning about the tragedy.
Sacrifice suspicion rituals
Officers questioned a number of residents in the area. Several of them believed that the murder was for a sacrifice ritual. Locals reported to police that they should investigate a Thai man named Kung who had dug in several areas in search of treasure while performing sacrificial rituals.
Officers detained Kung today, November 13, and questioned him both on the case and his superstitious beliefs. Officers also investigated an abandoned house in the community where Kung performed rituals but did not find Sangiam’s head.
Panthip disclosed that a black bucket used to store water had disappeared from her mother’s house, and she suspected that the murderer might have used it to store Sangiam’s head.
Panthip added that she did not know the accused man, Kung, in person and had never witnessed his superstitious rituals mentioned by other locals.
Investigations into the murder are continuing.
