A shocking murder took place in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, where a man, after drinking with a friend for an entire day, accused his friend of being Phi Pop, a flesh-eating demon from traditional Thai folklore, and subsequently bludgeoned him to death with a hammer. The victim was struck approximately 20 times and was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. The suspect has since been arrested by the police.
The Phi Pop ghost is one of the most infamous evil spirits in Thai folk belief, especially prevalent in the Northeastern region (Isan). According to legend, it possesses humans, controlling its host to consume rotten meat and human organs, particularly liver. During the day, those possessed appear normal, but at night they transform into the ghost.
According to Thai media reports, on the evening of the 24th at Nam Phong District, police received a report of an assault at a small field hut. The 59-year-old suspect, Wichan, was arrested at the scene. He did not attempt to escape after being apprehended.
Police stated that Wichan and his 57-year-old friend, Banpong, had been drinking white liquor together in Wichan's field hut since the daytime.
As evening approached, the two got into a heated argument. During the quarrel, Wichan accused Banpong of being the embodiment of the Phi Pop ghost, then went inside to fetch a hammer and launched a frenzied attack on Banpong. Banpong's head and body were struck approximately 20 times, sustaining severe injuries. He was rushed to Nam Phong Hospital for emergency treatment but ultimately succumbed to his wounds.
The police found the involved hammer and other related evidence at the scene. Wichan has been handed over to the Nam Phong Police investigation team and charged with "intentional bodily harm resulting in death". The case has entered judicial proceedings.