Profile of Kingkaew Losungnern: Revisiting the Haunting Case Behind the Film Kingkaew

Case Kingkaew Losungnern is a criminal case that deeply shocked Thai society due to its involvement with child kidnapping and abuse. Furthermore, it became a famously eerie case widely discussed. This article will reveal the background of Kingkaew Losungnern and summarize the timeline of this notorious case.

Profile of Kingkaew Losungnern: Who is she?

Mrs. Kingkaew Losungnern was born in Nakhon Ratchasima Province in 1950. She later moved to Bangkok to work as a housekeeper and child caretaker for a family. According to medical records, she had previously received psychiatric treatment.

Reviewing the Kingkaew Losungnern case

Here is the timeline of the Kingkaew Losungnern case, the second female prisoner sentenced to death in Thailand:

Before the incident

• Kingkaew worked as a housekeeper and cared for a 6-year-old boy, earning the family's trust.
• Her husband and his friend once asked her to kidnap the child for ransom, but she refused due to her bond with the boy.

On the day of the incident, 17 October 1978

• Since she only cared for the boy and neglected housework, she was fired.
• Feeling resentful, she reversed her refusal and planned the kidnapping, picking up the boy early from school.
• She then sent a ransom letter to the boy’s family demanding 200,000 baht, instructing them to leave the money on the Bangkok–Pak Chong train at 6 a.m. on 17 October 1978. On the route between Pak Chong and Chanthuek, a white flag would signal them to drop the ransom money.
• The boy’s father complied but did not see the white flag, so he did not drop the ransom, which escalated the situation.
• Police arrested Kingkaew, who stated the child had died.

After the incident

• Kingkaew Losungnern was arrested by police. She claimed she did not kill the child but was forced by her husband to stab him with a sharp iron. The child did not die immediately and begged for his life, which made her hesitate to continue. However, her husband pressured her until the child eventually died.
• On 13 January 1979, Kingkaew, her husband, and their accomplices were sentenced to death. Kingkaew repeatedly said, "I am not guilty."
• When the executioner fired the gun, she was still breathing, shocking everyone. The executioner had to shoot over ten times to end her life.
• Some legends say her spirit was heard saying "I am not guilty" in Bang Kwang Prison.

From the Kingkaew Losungnern case to the film "Kingkaew"

Although over 40 years have passed, the Kingkaew case still shocks and reflects many societal gaps. It remains widely discussed today. The case is now being adapted into a major film titled "Kingkaew," directed by "Ekachai Sriwichai" and starring well-known actress "Sai Charoenpura."

The story has been reinterpreted based on the true events. Although she denied being the perpetrator, evidence led the court to sentence her to death. She died resentful, and her spirit is said to haunt all involved, who must find ways to survive the vengeful ghost.

The Kingkaew Losungnern case became a famous case of its time and remains talked about today. Beyond the emotional impact, it highlights issues of social problems, child protection, and the justice system and processes of the past.