LOEI, THAILAND – An elderly LGBTQIA+ couple were found beaten to death in their home in northeastern Thailand, and a nephew was arrested soon after on suspicion of killing them.
Bodies of elderly couple found in bedroom
Neighbors discovered the bodies of Pranom (69) and Winai (65) on the morning of 6 December in their house in the Huai Som district. The men lay dead in their bed, having suffered what police described as an extremely violent attack.
At the scene, officers collected a crowbar and a one‑meter‑long machete‑like knife as suspected murder weapons. The house also showed signs of being ransacked and robbed.
Nephew quickly identified and arrested
Investigators swiftly focused on Jaksin Jaroensuk (26), the couple’s nephew, who had been staying with them temporarily. Police launched a search for him in the surrounding area.
They later located him in front of a restaurant in the same district, riding the couple’s stolen motorcycle. During the arrest, officers found 5,000 baht in cash, personal belongings of the victims and 79 methamphetamine tablets.
“We were able to locate and arrest him quickly. The evidence was overwhelming from the very beginning.”
said a police spokesperson.
Suspect claims he reacted to alleged abuse
During interrogation, Jaksin confessed to the killings but offered a disturbing explanation. He claimed that Pranom had pressured him into indecent acts and then tried to sexually abuse him.
He said he attacked Pranom in anger, after which Pranom ran to Winai, prompting Jaksin to strike Winai with the crowbar as well. He then stated that he hit Pranom again with the crowbar and finally killed him with the knife to make sure he was dead.
Robbery and drug purchase after the killings
After the double murder, the suspect stole Pranom’s bag containing about 7,000 baht in cash. According to police, he used part of the money to fund his drug use.
“I used 2,000 baht to buy 100 Yaba tablets.”
said the detained suspect, adding that he shared some of the drugs with a friend before his arrest.
Investigators doubt self‑defence account
Police expressed skepticism about the suspect’s claim of self‑defence. They pointed to the severity of the attacks and the subsequent robbery as indications of a different motive.
Jaksin was charged with premeditated murder, nighttime theft, possession of Category 1 narcotics and drug use. Investigators said they believed the crime was planned and driven by drug intoxication and greed, with the exact motives to be determined in court.
Rural community in mourning
News of the brutal killing of the long‑term couple deeply shocked the rural community in Loei. Residents described Pranom and Winai as peaceful and friendly neighbors.
The crime left a painful gap for relatives and friends and raised many unanswered questions. The investigation continued while the accused remained in pre‑trial detention.