Tragically, Pol. Col. Somchai Sophonpanyaporn was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a hotel room after only 8 days since his transfer to the position of Deputy Commander of Chaiyaphum Provincial Police. Authorities are investigating and awaiting autopsy results before concluding the true cause of death.
The body of the Deputy Commander of Chaiyaphum Provincial Police was found inside a hotel room. At 14:45 on 16 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Pol. Col. Anupap Piew-on, Deputy Commander of Chaiyaphum Provincial Police, along with officials, went to investigate after calls to Pol. Col. Somchai Sophonpanyaporn, who had recently transferred from Commander of Ku Muang Police Station, Buriram Province, went unanswered. He was assigned to deliver items but could not reach Somchai, prompting a welfare check at the hotel where Somchai was staying in Mueang Chaiyaphum District.
Upon inspection, Pol. Col. Somchai Sophonpanyaporn, Deputy Commander of Chaiyaphum Provincial Police, was found deceased. The investigating officers from Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station, the Chaiyaphum Forensic Unit, and doctors from Chaiyaphum Hospital were called to the scene. The room showed no signs of disorder or physical assault. Preliminary checks could not confirm if Somchai had any underlying medical conditions, as he had recently assumed the new post. Authorities are awaiting family input for further information.
Doctors at Chaiyaphum Hospital stated that initial assessments suggest death was due to an underlying medical condition, as there were no signs of physical trauma or wounds. The hotel room showed no evidence of disturbance. It is believed he may have taken cholesterol-lowering medication. The body was estimated to have been deceased for at least 12 hours. Nonetheless, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause before the body is released for funeral rites.
Reports indicate that Pol. Col. Somchai Sophonpanyaporn, the deceased, graduated from the Royal Police Cadet Academy, Sampran, Class 43.
Regarding the 2025 annual transfer orders for police officers at the Deputy Commander to Superintendent levels, the orders were finalized and published internally on 28 Nov 2025 GMT+7, taking effect from 1 Dec 2025 GMT+7. Officers appointed were required to report by 8 Dec 2025 GMT+7. Most recently,. The National Police Office has begun progressively publishing the official transfer orders.