In Phrae Province, villagers heard a neighbor's dog howling for four consecutive nights and noticed an unusual increase in flies. Concerned, they reported this to the village head, who went to investigate and found the homeowner dead in bed.
At 11:20 a.m. on 13 May 2026, Police Lieutenant Colonel Boonrub Yubon, acting investigator at Den Chai Police Station in Den Chai District, Phrae Province, received a report from Mr. Thawat Kleua Klom, village head of Pak Puak village, Moo 10, Huai Rai Subdistrict, Den Chai District. He informed that an unidentified deceased person was found inside a house in Den Chai Subdistrict, in an alley adjacent to the road beside Wat Intrawanis. The investigator coordinated with the on-call doctor from Somdet Phra Yuparaj Den Chai Hospital and rescue workers from Den Chai Ruam Boon Rescue to inspect the scene.
At the scene, the house was a two-story structure made of half concrete and half wood. Inside on the ground floor, the deceased's body was found beside the bed, showing signs of bloating. It was estimated the person had been dead for about four days. Later identified as Mr. Methasit Boonmee, 48, the homeowner. A male dog named Maruay was guarding the body closely, not allowing anyone near. Authorities contacted animal control to capture the dog in a cage so they could examine the scene.
Preliminary information indicated the deceased worked various odd jobs and lived alone in the house, as his father had recently passed away. He lived with the dog he raised. Inspection revealed no signs of assault. Neighbors reported hearing Maruay howl for four consecutive nights and noticed an unusual number of flies, prompting them to alert the village head to investigate.
Subsequently, the investigator and the on-call doctor from Den Chai Hospital conducted an autopsy to determine the cause of death. It was suspected to have resulted from a chronic illness flare-up. The body was then handed over to rescue workers to proceed with religious funeral rites.