A brutal incident in Pathum Thani province has left a community in shock after a loan shark allegedly forced a debtor to jump into a canal, resulting in the man’s drowning. The tragedy occurred around 1:30 a.m. on October 23 behind Soi Khlong Luang 48 in Khlong Luang District, triggering a major police investigation.

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Authorities from Khlong Luang Police Station responded to the scene alongside forensic specialists from Thammasat University Hospital and rescue divers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. A large crowd of local residents had gathered along the canal bank where the incident occurred. Divers located the victim’s body approximately three meters below the surface after a twenty-minute search, while a yellow shirt and pair of sandals believed to belong to the deceased were recovered from the bank.

The preliminary forensic examination indicated the man, identified only by his nickname “Mr. Mued,” had been dead for one to two hours. The victim, estimated to be between 30 and 35 years old, was dressed only in long trousers and carried no identification documents at the time of his death.

A key witness, 29-year-old Mr. Serm, provided police with a detailed account of the events leading to the drowning. He stated that he had been sitting with the victim at home when a man known locally as “Mr. Mos” arrived to demand repayment of an outstanding debt. When Mr. Mued could not produce the money, Mr. Mos allegedly attempted to confiscate his mobile phone. Mr. Serm reported stepping outside momentarily before observing the two men walking toward the canal. He then witnessed Mr. Mos force Mr. Mued to jump into the water. Despite his own attempt to rescue his friend by entering the canal, Mr. Serm found the water too deep and was unable to prevent the drowning as Mr. Mos fled the scene.

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Investigating officer Pol. Lt. Thanakorn Mora has documented the evidence and ordered the victim’s body transferred to Thammasat University Hospital for a complete autopsy to determine the precise cause of death. Police have launched a manhunt for Mr. Mos, whom they intend to question regarding his suspected involvement in the forced drowning before proceeding with legal action.

-Thailand News (TN)