The body of a former Chiang Khong district chief was found dead in a lodging room in Chiang Rai. It is believed he was stressed over facing prosecution for forging gun licenses. It was found that he had just spoken by phone with his mother before his death.
At about 11:00 a.m. on 4 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Police Lieutenant Thanachai Jaikaew, investigating officer of Chiang Kham Police Station in Phayao Province, was notified of a death at a lodging house in Chiang Kham district. Upon receiving the report, he, along with Police Colonel Thanat Chummano, superintendent of Chiang Kham Police Station, forensic doctors from Chiang Kham Hospital, rescue workers from the Siam Ruamjai Phayao Foundation headquarters in Chiang Kham, and forensic officials, went to inspect the scene.
At the scene inside the room, the door was locked from the inside. Officers pried the door open and found the body of Mr. Apisit Jantham, 43, former district chief of Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai Province. The body was dressed in a white short-sleeved T-shirt and black shorts, lying face down with legs draped over the bed. Initial autopsy showed no signs of physical assault. In the center of the room, a charcoal brazier was found and collected as evidence.
Police Colonel Thanat Chummano, superintendent of Chiang Kham Police Station, stated that the room's door was locked and sealed with tape around the edges. Officers had to pry it open to enter. Inside, the air conditioner was still running. According to the lodging owner, the deceased had called his mother the evening before the incident. It is estimated he died sometime during the previous night, within 24 hours. After completing the autopsy and collecting evidence, the family contacted authorities to retrieve the body for religious funeral rites.
Mr. Apisit had previously faced criminal charges for forging government documents—specifically, gun permits (Por. 3 licenses)—totaling 467 licenses, leading to a criminal case and dismissal from government service. This is believed to be the cause behind his decision to end his life.