West Thailand: Body of tattooed man found near irrigation canal

Police are urgently investigating the discovery of the body of a tattooed man, found with notable designs including a tiger on the front and a hermit on the back. The body was discovered by a cowherd near a remote irrigation canal.

Police were informed at 5pm yesterday, July 8, about the presence of a dead man in a field in Moo 4, Tha Chumphon subdistrict, Photharam district, Ratchaburi province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Planchai Chaiya, Deputy Inspector of Photharam Police Station, coordinated with Photharam Hospital before rushing to the scene with Police Colonel Chatchanan Narawutporn, the Superintendent of Photharam Police Station, forensic investigators, and rescue teams.

The discovery site was a secluded road near an irrigation canal, approximately 2 kilometres from the Photharam-Khao Chong Phran Road. The body, estimated to be that of a 45 to 50 year old man, had been dead for several days.

The man’s body bore several prominent tattoos: a tiger, Rahu swallowing the moon, and a Maha Udom charm on the front, a hermit on the back, and a dragon on the left arm. His left foot had a wound, and there were sharp object-like cuts on his left knee.

Disturbingly, all 10 fingers were missing, and the scalp at the back of his head had detached, exposing the skull. It is estimated that the man died six to seven days ago.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a cowherd discovered the body and mentioned that the area is particularly desolate, especially at night. Initially, police are considering two main theories: the man could have died from an existing medical condition, or he might have been murdered and his body abandoned. The body has been sent for an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.

“Anyone who suspects they might be related to the deceased or has information about his identity is urged to contact Police Colonel Chatchanan Narawutporn at Photharam Police Station on 086-3294545.”

Police are working to uncover more details about the man’s identity and the circumstances leading to his death, reported KhaoSod.