SRI RACHA, THAILAND – Police in Chonburi Province discovered five bodies in a Sri Racha home on Tuesday after relatives reported no contact for several days, identifying the case as a suspected murder-suicide linked to heavy debt.
Discovery on Tuesday Afternoon
Police officers from Nong Kham Police Station arrived at the family house in Moo 5, Sri Racha District at around 16:00 local time on Tuesday, following a report from worried relatives who had received no response for several days. At the property, officers observed that the gate was open but all house doors were locked from inside. The vendor’s motorbike with sidecar stood unused in front of the residence, and several unattended parcels lay at the doorway.
A strong odour coming from the house led the police to a window. They saw an unresponsive body under a mosquito net. With the help of relatives, officers forced entry into the house.
Five Victims Found Inside Home
Inside the single-storey residence, five bodies were discovered. Police identified them as:
– Somjin Phumchaisuwan (62), a street vendor, found hanged in the bathroom
– Thatsawan Phumchaisuwan (60), his wife, found with major head injuries in the front bedroom
– Sukanya Phumchaisuwan (21) and her 14‑month‑old daughter, found dead in a back room
– Namjai Naknaen (82), the mother‑in‑law, found lifeless under a mosquito net
Investigators said four victims had severe head trauma. A hand‑sized stone was found at the scene and collected as possible evidence. No suicide note was discovered.
Neighbour’s Testimony to Police
Neighbour Kalaya Phlai‑Muang, a close friend of the family, last saw Somjin two days earlier.
“He waved to me from the window and said he was sick. He didn’t want to come out,”
said Kalaya Phlai‑Muang, neighbour.
She added that the vendor was normally friendly and worked daily at the local market. Investigators believe the killings occurred between Sunday night and early Monday.
Financial Distress Cited as Likely Motive
Officers said Somjin, who sold grilled squid skewers and rice noodles, faced collapsing income in recent months. Rising living costs and increasing debt reportedly intensified pressure on the family. Police suspect that he attacked his relatives while they slept before ending his life.
Forensic Teams Conduct Investigation
Teams from the Police General Hospital and medical experts from Laem Chabang Hospital joined forensic specialists to examine the house. Personnel from the Sawang Prateep Sri Racha Rescue Foundation transferred all five bodies to the Police Forensic Institute for autopsy.
Police stated that the reconstruction of events and confirmation of times of death would require further forensic results. The investigation remains open.
Community Reaction and Support Services
Residents of Sri Racha expressed shock at the deaths of a family described as diligent and widely respected. Local authorities and aid organizations reminded the public that mental health assistance is available. The Samaritans of Thailand provide confidential help through their Facebook page for those experiencing emotional distress.
Authorities urged that anyone noticing signs of depression, hopelessness, or financial despair in acquaintances should contact professional services immediately to prevent further loss of life.