Police Arrest Two Suspects in Murder of Chiang Mai Businessman
Thai police have arrested two men accused of murdering a Chiang Mai businessman before burning his body and car in a remote mountain area. Investigators say the killing stemmed from a 500,000 baht loan dispute.
Grisly Discovery
The case began on August 29 when police discovered a burned white Suzuki sedan down a steep slope in Thep Sadet, Doi Saket district. Firefighters extinguished the blaze but found the remains of Khunasin “Golf” Intayos, 32, a local entrepreneur from Luang Nuea, Doi Saket.
Arrests and Evidence
Police arrested Damrongrit “Ton” Jaidee, 33, a postal worker, at a home in Chom Thong district. His alleged accomplice, Watchirawit “Sua” Boontawee, 28, is hospitalized with injuries sustained while attempting to burn the victim’s car.
At a house belonging to Watchirawit in San Sai district, investigators found bloodstains, a bloodied hammer, and signs of a struggle. Surveillance footage showed Golf arriving at the home on August 28 after being invited by Watchirawit, who promised to lend him 100,000 baht and show him a new car.
Once inside, Golf was ambushed. Witnesses later heard his screams as Watchirawit and Damrongrit allegedly attacked him with a hammer and a pestle.
Cover-Up Attempt
The suspects loaded the body into Golf’s Suzuki sedan and drove to a remote road in Thep Sadet. They doused the car with petrol and set it ablaze to stage an accident. However, as the car rolled downhill, flames spread and injured Watchirawit, leaving him with burns and a broken leg.
Damrongrit fled but later took Watchirawit to Doi Saket Hospital, where police apprehended him.
Motive and Charges
During questioning, Watchirawit admitted to planning the murder, claiming Golf owed him 500,000 baht and had refused repayment. He allegedly offered Damrongrit 50,000 baht to help carry out the killing.
Both suspects now face charges of premeditated murder, arson, and destruction of a body.
Police Major General Kritthapol Yisakhon, commander of Provincial Police Region 5, confirmed investigators are also probing the origins of the loan and whether additional accomplices were involved.
