Decomposing body found in Samut Songkhram temple restroom

The decomposing body of a missing man was discovered in a temple restroom in Samut Songkhram after a foul smell caught the attention of passersby. The body was linked to a man who had been missing for about a week.

The Deputy Inspector of Bang Khonthi Police Station, Rueangwut Im-em, reported the unsettling discovery. He received the call and went to investigate the incident at Wat Bang Noi (Phra Non Saen Rian) alongside rescue personnel from the Sappharachain Foundation.

Inside a grey restroom, they found the body of a man estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old, approximately 160 centimetres tall. The man was wearing jeans but no shirt and was found lying face down, already in a state of decomposition.

It is believed he had been dead for at least one day. No identification was found on the body, only 880 baht in cash. Nearby, a bottle of herbicide was discovered, which has been collected as evidence.

The man who found the body was 32 year old electrician and air conditioning technician, Kanokphon Noppakhun. He recounted the events leading up to the discovery, explaining that he had stopped at the temple to use the restroom while on his way to fix an air conditioner.

He noticed a foul smell emanating from one of the restrooms. Curiosity and concern led him and his friend to use a stick to cautiously open the door, revealing the grim sight of a decomposing body.

Previously missing

A rescue worker from the Sappharachain Foundation contacted the deceased’s relatives after the discovery of his body. His relatives in Ratchaburi confirmed the identity of the deceased as 51 year old Thanapol Paiyokngam, who had been missing for seven days.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Thanapol may have been dealing with personal issues, which led him to end his life using the herbicide. Authorities are continuing to investigate to determine the exact cause of death, reported Khaosod.

The incident has left the local community in shock, and the authorities are urging anyone struggling with personal issues to seek help rather than resorting to drastic measures. The investigation continues as officials strive to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Thanapol’s death.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.