Nongprue, Chonburi — A simmering dispute over missing cattle erupted into deadly violence this weekend, leaving a local rancher dead and three men in custody in what police are calling a “premeditated revenge killing” that has stunned this rural Pattaya suburb.

Death sentences for police gang that killed teenager

The grisly scene unfolded Saturday evening at Ban Namphong village, where 53-year-old cattle trader Sompong “Nid” Boonmee was executed with a single shotgun blast to the chest inside his own pen. The killing—allegedly triggered by taunts over stolen livestock—was solved within a dramatic 24-hour window, with Chonburi police arresting all three suspects by Sunday noon.

At a tense press conference Monday, Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat Jindakuansong displayed the murder weapon: a long-barreled shotgun seized from 40-year-old Wichai “Tuk” Sinklin’s ramshackle cattle compound just 3km from the crime scene.

“The suspect admitted firing the fatal shot after the victim mocked him about butchering his cows,” said the police commander, recounting Wichai’s chilling confession. According to investigators, Sompong had allegedly goaded the men with: “What are you idiots gonna do? I already butchered your cows.”

The chain of events began Friday night when a collapsed fence at Wichai’s pen allowed seven cows to escape. While five were recovered, tracks led to Sompong’s property—where Wichai’s accomplice Wanchai “Neng” Jampaboup (38) claimed to have found fresh slaughter remains, including a cow’s head resembling Wichai’s missing livestock.

“The killers followed the evidence like detectives—but became judge, jury and executioner,” noted Col. Natthapol Phongsuksakul, Nongprue’s police chief.

Tensions flared Monday as Sompong’s eldest son James confronted police during a canceled crime reenactment, shouting through tears: “They executed my father like an animal!” Authorities rushed the suspects back to the station as dozens of villagers gathered, some brandishing farming tools.

At Wichai’s compound, his mother “Aunt Cat” (63) gave a conflicting account: “My son only went to talk—he didn’t plan this.” Neighbors, however, described years of cattle theft disputes plaguing the area.

“This wasn’t just about cows—it was about pride,” said criminologist Dr. Paisal Srisuwan, noting Thailand’s 3,000+ annual livestock thefts often spark violence.

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As Sompong’s family prepares Buddhist funeral rites, authorities warn against vigilante justice in a case that’s exposed the dark underbelly of rural Pattaya—where the price of stolen beef was paid in blood.

-Thailand News (TN)