A shocking incident occurred in Chiang Mai province when rescue teams were alerted to a fire under the Rattanakosin Bridge spanning the Ping River. Upon investigation, they found the body of a 51-year-old man severely burned, bearing stab wounds to the neck, indicating a murder concealed by fire.
At 08:50 on 29 April 2026, locals reported a fire under the Rattanakosin Bridge in Chang Moi subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Mai province. This bridge crosses the Ping River on the western side. When fire trucks from Chiang Mai Municipality and rescue teams arrived, they found the fire originating beneath the bridge.
After extinguishing the fire, responders discovered a charred human body amid the flames. Only part of the torso remained unburned. Authorities then coordinated with police from Chang Phueak station and forensic officers from Chiang Mai to investigate the scene.
Preliminary findings identified the deceased as a man about 50 years old. Due to the burnt condition of the body, the exact time of death could not be determined. However, a notable detail suggested foul play: the victim had severe stab wounds to the neck inflicted by a sharp object. At the scene, a fruit knife and several lighters were found near the fire. Forensic officers collected detailed evidence from the site.
Evidence found at the scene indicated the victim was likely Mr. Boonruang Sri, 51, from Mae Sariang district, Mae Hong Son province. Witnesses at the scene confirmed this identity, noting he was a homeless person who scavenged and had been living under this bridge for several months. Personal belongings and collected scrap items were found there.
Ms. Thanyaporn Prince, a rescue officer from Ruamjai Chiang Mai Foundation who arrived first, recounted that locals alerted her to the fire at this location. Upon arrival with the fire truck, they extinguished the blaze and then discovered the deceased in the fire.
She added that she had previously assisted Mr. Boonruang after a stabbing incident earlier in April. The physical characteristics of the victim matched Mr. Boonruang, including a cut wound on the abdomen from a cutter knife and a bracelet and rosary beads on the wrist identical to those worn by the previously stabbed individual. She provided this information to police.
Authorities will send the body for autopsy at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital to determine the exact cause of death, including investigating the murder and burning to conceal the crime, as the neck wound was caused by a sharp weapon. Police are currently investigating and seeking suspects for questioning.
