Chiang Mai Murder: 500K Debt Dispute Ends in Arson Tragedy

Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Jeff Tomas

CHIANG MAI – Police in northern Thailand have arrested two suspects for the brutal murder of a local businessman. The attackers tried to cover up their terrible crime by burning the victim inside his own car. However, a freak accident during the cover-up left the mastermind severely injured and quickly exposed the deadly plot.

The tragic victim, 32-year-old Kunasin Intayot, was a well-known entrepreneur who successfully owned several local businesses. Authorities found his burned remains inside a white Suzuki car on a steep mountain road on August 29. Detectives swiftly traced the deadly motive back to an unpaid personal debt of roughly 500,000 baht.

Key Takeaways

Police arrested two men for killing a 32-year-old Chiang Mai businessman over an unpaid 500,000 baht debt.
The suspects lured the victim, murdered him, and tried to stage a fiery car accident on a dark mountain.
The criminal plot failed when the burning car rolled backward, crushing and severely burning the mastermind’s leg.

The horrific events officially began on the quiet afternoon of August 28 in the San Sai district. The primary suspect, 28-year-old Wachirawit Boontawee, lured Kunasin to his home by falsely offering an additional loan. When the unsuspecting victim finally arrived at the residence, a deadly and violent trap was already waiting.

Wachirawit had previously hired a 33-year-old postal worker, Damrongrit Jaidee, to help carry out the violent murder. For a promised fee of 50,000 baht, Damrongrit hid silently inside the house until the victim entered. The two men then ruthlessly attacked the young businessman using a heavy hammer and a wooden pestle.

Chiang Mai Murder: 500K Debt Dispute Ends in Arson Tragedy

A Botched Cover-Up on the Mountain

After the killing, the suspects desperately tried to hide their tracks in the middle of the night. They loaded Kunasin’s body into the backseat of his own white Suzuki and drove to a dark road. According to police, their plan was to push the flaming car down a steep hill.

However, their sinister plan quickly fell apart in a very unexpected and dramatic turn of events. As they poured gasoline over the vehicle and lit the fire, the car suddenly rolled backward. The heavy vehicle trapped Wachirawit’s leg beneath its tires, causing a badly broken leg and severe burns.

Realizing their perfect crime had failed, Damrongrit rushed Wachirawit to a local hospital before fleeing the scene. Police later searched Wachirawit’s house, finding hidden bloodstains and the actual murder weapons used in the crime. Officers successfully tracked down and arrested Damrongrit at his home in the Chom Thong district the next evening.

Authorities have officially charged both men with premeditated murder, intentionally destroying a human corpse, and criminal arson. The Police Region 5 Commander firmly stated that the criminal investigation remains highly active today. Detectives are now digging deeper to see if any hidden financiers were involved in this shocking crime.

This tragic criminal case clearly highlights the severe consequences of extreme debt disputes in the local region. Authorities are now urging citizens to strictly settle their financial disagreements through proper and official legal channels. The surrounding community now mourns the sudden and tragic loss of a prominent young business leader.