Thai man, 59, mistakes friend for ghost after drinking session, beats him to death

A drinking session between two friends in Thailand's Khon Kaen province ended with one man dead, after the other allegedly accused him of being a ghost and beat him with a hammer.

Wichan Khunsri, 59, was arrested over the death of his friend, Banjong Daphaeng, 57, on Jun. 24, The Thaiger reported.

Drinking since morning

The pair had been drinking white liquor together at a hut, which Wichan owned, since the morning.

But an argument broke out at around 5pm, investigators said.

Police have not disclosed what triggered the dispute.

During the confrontation, Wichan accused Banjong of being a "Phi Pop" — a cannibalistic spirit in Thai folklore — before fetching a hammer from inside the hut and attacking him.

Wichan struck Banjong on the head and body about 20 times, inflicting severe injuries, according to the police superintendent.

The police turned up at around 7pm and took Wichan into custody.

Banjong was rushed to Nam Phong Hospital, but later died.

Suspect waited at the scene

Wichan made no attempt to flee and remained at the hut until officers arrived, police said. He did not resist arrest.

Investigators sealed off the hut for forensic examination, photographing the scene and collecting evidence, the Thai Examiner reported.

Banjong's body will also undergo a forensic examination.

Wichan was handed over to investigators and faces a charge of assault causing death. Police said the case is proceeding through the legal process.