Former village headman and wife found dead in suspected suicide

A tragic incident unfolded when a former village headman was found dead alongside his wife, with a note bequeathing 20 rai of land to their children. The couple was discovered in their home, suspected to have taken their lives due to health-related stress.

Around 4pm yesterday, August 20, Police Lieutenant Teerachet Thichan of the Phanat Nikhom Police Station in Chon Buri received a report of two gunshot deaths at a residence in Na Roek, Phanat Nikhom district, Chon Buri. Police, along with rescue workers from Sawang Het Thung Hiang, rushed to the scene.

The residence, a single-storey concrete house with a fenced perimeter, is situated on approximately one rai of land. Inside the bedroom, the deceased couple were found lying next to each other in an advanced state of decomposition.

The victims were identified as Arun, an 80 year old former village headman of Mon Nang, Phanat Nikhom district, and his 59 year old wife Wilasinee. Arun had a gunshot wound to his right cheek, while Wilasinee had a wound above her left breast. They were believed to have been dead for at least two days.

A homemade shotgun, with a spent shell casing still in the chamber, was found near them, along with another spent casing on the floor outside the bedroom. On a desk, a handwritten note was discovered detailing the transfer of more than 20 rai of land in Tha Takiap district, Chachoengsao province, to their children. The remaining assets were to be donated for a Kathin ceremony, with the note pinned down by a pen.

A neighbour named “A” recounted that he had not seen the couple for several days. Concerned, he went to call them but received no response. He then checked with the wife’s family in another subdistrict but found no trace of them.

Foul odour

Returning to the couple’s home, he, along with the village headman and relatives, began searching the premises. Detecting a foul odour, he removed window slats to gain entry but discovered the back door was unlocked. Upon entering the house, they found the couple dead in the bedroom, reported KhaoSod.

Initial police investigations suggest that Arun, who was suffering from intestinal diverticulitis, may have been under severe stress due to his illness. It is believed he shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. However, the bodies will be sent for autopsies to determine the exact cause of death before proceeding with further actions.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please get in touch with 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.