CHIANG MAI – Police have launched a massive murder investigation after the charred remains of a 51-year-old homeless man were discovered under the Rattanakosin Bridge on the morning of April 29, 2026.
First responders initially arrived at the site in the Chang Moi subdistrict to put out what they thought was a routine trash fire. However, the situation quickly turned into a grim crime scene when they found a body with a severe stab wound to the neck. Authorities strongly suspect the victim was brutally murdered and set on fire to hide the evidence.
Around 8:50 AM, residents noticed thick, dark smoke rising from beneath the bridge, which crosses the famous Ping River on its western bank. Alarmed by the size of the blaze, they quickly called the authorities. Firefighters from the Chiang Mai City Municipality, along with emergency rescue teams, rushed to the scene to prevent the fire from spreading.
Initially, it looked like a simple fire involving debris. But as the crews sprayed water to kill the flames, a shocking sight emerged. Within the smoldering ashes lay the lifeless body of a man. The fire had badly burned most of his body, leaving only his torso somewhat intact.
Clues Point to Foul Play
Realizing they had stumbled upon a major crime, rescue workers immediately called the Chang Phueak Police Station and the Chiang Mai Provincial Forensic Police. As investigators carefully examined the body, the signs of foul play became undeniable.
While a medical examiner could not immediately pinpoint the exact time of death due to the severe burns, they found a deep, gaping wound on the victim’s neck. This fatal injury was clearly caused by a sharp object, leading police to rule out an accidental death.
Investigators gathered several key pieces of evidence from the crime scene to build their case, including:
- A small fruit knife was found lying near the body.
- Several cigarette lighters were scattered close to the origin of the fire.
- Piles of old, collected items belonging to the victim.
- Personal identification documents recovered from the debris.
Based on the recovered IDs and statements from witnesses in the area, police believe the victim is Mr. Boonrueang Sri. He was 51 years old and originally from the Mae Sariang District in nearby Mae Hong Son province.
Locals recognized him as a quiet scavenger who collected old items to sell for food. He had been living, sleeping, and storing his belongings under the Rattanakosin Bridge for many months.
A Tragic History
A rescue worker, Ms. Thanyaporn Prince from the Ruamjai Chiang Mai Foundation, was the first emergency responder to arrive. She shared a crucial and incredibly sad detail with the investigating officers. Ms. Prince remembered helping a man in the same spot earlier this month.
In early April, Mr. Boonrueang was violently attacked and stabbed with a box cutter in his stomach. Ms. Prince noted that the burned body wore the same distinct bracelet and prayer beads as the man she had treated just weeks prior. This past attack adds a dark layer to the ongoing investigation, suggesting he may have been targeted before.
According to the original report by Thairath, police have sent the body to Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital for a full autopsy. The forensic medical team hopes to confirm the exact cause of death and gather any remaining physical evidence.
Meanwhile, detectives are actively interviewing witnesses and hunting for suspects. They are determined to find out who committed this brutal crime and brought fear to this typically peaceful riverside area.
The local community remains on edge as they wait for answers. For now, the area beneath the bridge remains taped off, serving as a sad reminder of a life lost on the city streets.
