The tragic case of a 33-year-old Thai DJ, Waraphong Khunsrijaturong, has captured headlines after his body was discovered in a remote forest in western Thailand on May 18, four days after he went missing. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death are deeply concerning, with reports suggesting a possible connection to a ‘mafia figure’ due to an alleged affair.

Waraphong, known by his stage name “Taetae,” was last seen on May 14 while working at a pub. His girlfriend, Premyuda, reported him missing when he failed to return home. After reaching out to one of his friends, she learned that Waraphong had been involved with a woman named Nam for over a year. On the day of his disappearance, he was reportedly en route to Nam’s residence when he expressed concern to her over the phone about a car following him.

Security camera footage confirmed his abduction, and his vehicle was later found abandoned along the road leading to Nam’s home. The investigation took a grim turn when, on May 18, local residents alerted authorities to a decaying body found in a forest in Tambon Lat Ya, Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival, police discovered Waraphong’s body with his hands bound and two gunshot wounds to his head.

Forest

Rescue teams faced challenges reaching the scene, requiring a 20-minute drive on rough terrain followed by a five-minute walk. A villager had reportedly stumbled upon the body three days earlier but was too frightened to approach it. After hearing news of Waraphong’s disappearance, the villager informed relatives, leading to the identification of the body.

Premyuda had previously warned Waraphong to distance himself from Nam, citing concerns about her boyfriend’s alleged connections to organized crime. Despite her warnings, Waraphong assured her that he had ended the relationship.

In a further development, the vehicle believed to have been used in the abduction was located in a nearby district, thoroughly cleaned. Dashcam footage indicated that it had traveled into the forest close to where Waraphong’s body was found. Authorities have arrested two suspects for questioning, although both have denied involvement. A third suspect remains at large.

Waraphong’s father has filed a police report against the kidnappers for his son’s murder and intends to bring his body home for religious rites. This tragic incident highlights the dangers associated with illicit relationships and the potential consequences of entanglements with individuals linked to organized crime.