End of an Era "Uncle Tun" The mortician of Phrae, who served as the janitor caring for the Chinese cemetery for 40 years until his last day, was found with a white dog lying beside him, keeping watch.
At 14:30 on 15 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Police Lieutenant Thanawut Anuson, deputy investigating officer on duty at Mueang Phrae Police Station in Phrae Province, received a report of a death in a room inside the Chinese cemetery in Na Chak Subdistrict, Mueang Phrae District, Phrae Province. After the report, he coordinated with the duty physician from Phrae Hospital to conduct a post-mortem examination along with rescue workers from Phrae.
Upon arrival, a white female dog was seen circling outside the room. Inside, the body of Mr. Tun Pimsa, 80, was found deceased for more than two days. The body was lying on its side in a kneeling position without clothes, covered with a red blanket. Initial examination found no signs of struggle or homicide. The deceased was known to suffer from multiple illnesses, had difficulty moving from bed, and lived alone in the cemetery. The scene was documented as evidence.
According to Ms. Fon, 35, the niece, she came to visit her grandfather at the cemetery to bring adult diapers but was hesitant to enter the room. She called out from outside but received no response, so she contacted a relative who knew rescue workers to check. They found him already deceased. The last time someone brought him food was on the afternoon of 12 Feb, when he was still alive and responsive.
Subsequently, the police and duty physician from Phrae Hospital had rescue personnel remove the body for a preliminary examination. It was determined he had been dead for over two days due to body decomposition and odor. The initial conclusion was death from a worsening chronic illness, as he had a history of multiple diseases. Relatives expressed no suspicion about the death and planned to proceed according to tradition.
Uncle Tun was well known among the people of Phrae as the mortician and janitor of the Chinese cemetery since 1983, over 40 years ago. He lived there continuously. In recent years, the cemetery ceased cremations due to disputes over land between the Na Chak Subdistrict Administrative Organization and Phrae Municipality. Nevertheless, Uncle Tun continued to reside at the Chinese cemetery until his passing.