New sub-district councillor shot dead in Korat

2026-02-19 - 03:53

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 18 February 2026, A newly elected sub-district councillor was found shot dead in Bua Yai district, with his wife expressing doubts that he took his own life and pointing to possible election-related conflict. Weerasin Thinrat, district chief of Bua Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima, said the body of Sunet Phakdee, 69, a member of Dan Chang Subdistrict Administrative Organisation council, was discovered beneath a village water tank in Ban Non Thong, Moo 3, on the evening of 18 February. A preliminary examination found a single gunshot wound to his right temple. A registered .22-calibre pistol, legally owned by the victim, was found beside his body. Authorities said there were no signs of a struggle at the scene. Police are questioning witnesses and awaiting autopsy results from Bua Yai Hospital to determine the cause of death. Samran Phakdee, the victim’s wife Samran Phakdee, 63, the victim’s wife, said villagers reported hearing three gunshots at 10:00, but the body was not found until about 15:00. She said her husband had no family problems and that the Election Commission had certified the recent local election results on 16 February. She said she did not believe he would have taken his own life, adding that he had previously spoken about disputes arising from the sub-district election, including complaints lodged with the Election Commission over the management of a village fund. Pol. Col. Suranat Sakolwan, superintendent of Bua Yai Police Station, said officers found a gunshot wound to the head and a firearm lying beside the body, with no evidence of a struggle. He said investigators were working to determine whether the death was a homicide, pending a detailed forensic examination.