NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: A 73-year-old man was found dead with multiple slash wounds to his face on Monday morning, his house ransacked and his gold and cash missing.
The victim, identified as Muek Maikaew, was lying naked in a pool of dried blood when police arrived at his home in tambon Tha Rua, Muang district. He had six slashes across his face. A long knife found near his body was seized as evidence.
Police said the victim's gold necklace, gold ring and cash amounting to at least 60,000 baht were later reported missing by his daughter, 47-year-old Auayporn Maikaew.
The rooms were ransacked and there was blood scattered over the floor.
Police said at least two people were involved in the attack and must be familiar with the victim, who owned an oil palm plantation. Neighbours reported hearing nothing unusual, but their houses were 300 metres apart.
According to police, the victim was known to date a couple women, who would be questioned.
They were not ruling out any possible motive, including jealousy and a robbery gone wrong.