NAKHON RATCHASIMA: A human skull and bones were found in a water tank at a house that had been deserted for years, shocking the owner and the buyer who had come to inspect the property on Saturday.
Police and rescue workers rushed to the one-storey house at Ang Nong Nae village in tambon Nong Bua Sala after being alerted that human bones were found inside a concrete tank under the floor.
A human skull and bones are retrieved from a water tank under the house. (Photo by Prasit Tangprasert)
The bones were discovered by Watchara Khaenok, 41, of tambon Hua Thalae in Muang district, who recently bought the house from Sa-ngiem Chiangnok, 73, for 4 million baht.
He planned to use the four rai of land that came with the house to plant Gros Michel banana trees for sale. He had made an appointment with the owner to make the final payment of one million baht on Saturday morning.
While the two men were inspecting the interior of the house, Mr Watchara found a covered water tank. When he removed the cover he was shocked to see a human skull and bones inside and immediately alerted police. A diver from a rescue team was later sent to retrieve the bones.
Mr Sa-ngiem told police that he used to do farming on the property and had dug the tank inside the house to raise catfish several years ago. But he was losing money from farming so he abandoned the property and advertised it for sale. He moved to another location to sell goods and never returned to the site until Mr Watchara contacted him about purchasing the property.
Pol Lt Col Thanapat Laonanont, deputy superintendent at the Muang district station, said an initial examination found the skull belonged to a man. However, police have to await forensic results, which could also shed light on the cause of death.
Local residents told police that a 33-year-old man had disappeared in the area eight years ago. His relatives had filed a missing person report with police at the time, said Pol Lt Col Thanapat.
Police inspect the skull and bones found at a deserted house in tambon Nong Bua Sala as local residents look on. (Prasit Tangprasert)