Nakhon Phanom: Stressed from mounting gambling debts, a man strangled his wife to death before taking his own life under a custard apple tree. The tragic incident unfolded after a heated argument and culminated in the husband fleeing from the scene, only to be found later hanging in his garden.

According to Thai News Agency, officers from Phon Sawan Police Station were alerted to the incident at 5:30 PM, discovering the body of Ms. Poonsak, 47, in her bedroom at a grocery store in Ban Kho Subdistrict. The deceased was found wearing a black tiger-pattern shirt and black pants, with visible bruises on her neck and body. A green nylon rope was recovered as evidence, and it was determined she had been dead for approximately two hours.

The investigation identified the perpetrator as Mr. Sanan, 56, Ms. Poonsak’s husband, who fled the scene on a motorcycle. He was later discovered to have committed suicide, hanging himself from a tree in his garden, approximately 2 kilometers from their home. His body was subseque
ntly taken for an autopsy.

Ms. Supisara, the couple’s 19-year-old daughter, recounted the events leading up to the tragedy. She revealed her father’s long-standing addiction to online gambling and the financial strain it caused, including pawning three cars. After a late-night argument between her parents, her mother attempted to retrieve a pawned car for store supplies. Later, Mr. Sanan expressed regret and concern for his daughter’s well-being before leaving and eventually taking his own life.

The authorities believe the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute exacerbated by Mr. Sanan’s gambling issues. The couple’s bodies are being prepared for religious rites, with their cremation ceremony set for November 10, 2024, at a nearby cemetery.