Shock spread through Cha-am Police Station on Friday after a young theft suspect was found dead inside a holding cell, just hours before police were due to take him to court for a remand hearing.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 30 January 2026 and is being treated as a death in custody, pending further investigation.
Investigation underway after death in custody
Police said an investigating officer at Cha-am Police Station was alerted to the incident and immediately reported it to the station superintendent. Authorities then coordinated with local administrative officials, prosecutors, medical staff from Cha-am Hospital, provincial forensic officers, and rescue workers to examine the scene.
The deceased was identified as Mr Ekkasit, aged 32. His surname was withheld by authorities. He had been detained under a warrant issued by the Phetchaburi Provincial Court in connection with attempted theft at a public place of worship and a separate theft at a private residence during the night.
Mr Ekkasit had been arrested on 29 January and was being held at Cha-am Police Station while awaiting court proceedings. Officials, including a prosecutor, a district officer and an on-duty doctor, examined the body and reported no visible signs of assault or injury.
Police said the suspect was found unresponsive in the holding cell at around 5.30am. Officers had been preparing to transfer him to court later that morning when the death was discovered.
A background check showed the suspect had previously been linked to more than 10 theft cases across several areas of Phetchaburi province.
Initial assessments suggest the suspect may have been under significant stress and had no one available to post bail. However, police stressed that the exact cause of death has not yet been determined.
The body has been sent to Phrachomklao Hospital for a full post-mortem examination, with results expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death.