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Tuesday, July 15, 2025
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Body of Man Abducted from Laos Found in Chiang Mai

This Week

Thai police have discovered the body of a 24-year-old Chinese man, identified only as Yang, who was murdered in Chiang Mai Province on 14 July, shortly after travelling from Laos to Thailand. Authorities suspect the killing was the result of a failed ransom kidnapping orchestrated by fellow Chinese nationals.

Yang’s body, wrapped in plastic and bed sheets, was found abandoned by the roadside in Pang Haew village, Mae Rim district. Investigators believe he was lured into the country and killed when a ransom plot went awry.

According to Kritthapol Yeesakhon, commander of Provincial Police Region 5, Yang’s sister contacted authorities after losing touch with him. Yang had arrived in Chiang Rai from Laos on 8 July and later travelled to Chiang Mai with a Chinese acquaintance named Hukang.

On 10 July, Hukang phoned Yang’s sister, claiming Yang had been abducted and that the kidnappers were demanding THB 3 million (approximately USD 92,447) for his release.

Hukang was later arrested at a Chiang Mai hotel for entering Thailand illegally. During police questioning, he claimed that he too had been kidnapped and forced to pay THB 1.5 million (USD 46,223) for his own release.

Hukang told investigators that two other Chinese men, identified as Xang and Wang, had arranged to meet Yang under the pretext of a business deal. After having dinner on Nimmanhaemin Road, the group stayed at a rented house in tambon San Phak Wan, Hang Dong district.

He said he awoke the next morning to find himself tied up and threatened. After paying the ransom, he was shown Yang’s lifeless body. The kidnappers allegedly placed both men in a car, dumped Yang’s body on the roadside, and later released Hukang near the hotel.

On 11 July, police arrested Xang in Hang Dong district. A search of the rented house revealed bloodstains in the bedroom and garage. During questioning, Xang confessed that Wang had killed Yang with a hammer before fleeing.

Wang remains at large. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

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