CHIANG MAI — March 8, 2026
A 31-year-old man has confessed to murdering his sister-in-law, 21-year-old Usa, also known as “Praew”, in Chiang Mai province, according to police.
The victim’s body was found partially unclothed on March 7 at a home in Nam Phrae subdistrict, Hang Dong district, located inside a longan orchard. Authorities noted strangulation marks on her neck, consistent with the use of an object.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Kritthapol Yeesakorn, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, said investigators initially explored multiple motives, including jealousy, robbery, and attempted sexual assault. After questioning several individuals, police focused on Phanuwat, nicknamed “Pond”, a 31-year-old furniture craftsman from Khon Kaen and the victim’s brother-in-law, who lived in the same house.
Phanuwat has been charged with intentional murder.
In his confession, he said intoxication sometimes triggered strong sexual urges. He admitted that while tending the orchard, he saw the victim alone in her room. He entered the room, covered her with a blanket, and attempted to strangle her with his hands. When she resisted, he used an electrical cord to finish strangling her. He tried to sexually assault her but abandoned the attempt after noticing she was menstruating.
During the incident, a delivery rider arrived, and Phanuwat took money from her bag to pay for the delivery. He then ransacked the room, scattered belongings, and damaged the door knob to simulate a break-in before fleeing to stay with his wife.
After media coverage, Phanuwat posed as a concerned citizen, giving statements to police. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and timelines, confronted him with inconsistencies, and he ultimately confessed to the crime.
Phanuwat remains in custody as the investigation continues.
