Chiang rai: Relatives performed a religious cremation ceremony for Natpong, before sending the body to the Ministry of Justice’s Institute of Forensic Medicine for a detailed autopsy. Meanwhile, police issued summonses for four close friends who were drinking at the house.

According to Thai News Agency, at 1:30 PM, relatives moved the body of Mr. Nattawut Ponglangka, known as “Nut Pong,” a well-known journalist and announcer, from Wat Rim Kok in Mae Yao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province, to the crematorium at Ban Rim Kok Cemetery to conduct a traditional religious cremation ceremony. This followed Nat’s mysterious death at his home in Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province, on November 30. The ceremony involved using rice straw to create an effigy to replace Nutpong’s real body, which was filled with sadness as family, close relatives, colleagues, and the public paid tribute.

Following the fake cremation ceremony, relatives will return Nut’s body to the Ministry of Justice’s Institute of Forensic Medicine for a thorough autopsy to determine the presence of toxic substances. A preliminary autopsy report revealed cyanide in Nut’s bloodstream and stomach contents at life-threatening levels, which was considered the cause of death. Authorities have forwarded the autopsy results for further legal proceedings.

In the ongoing investigation, the Commander of Provincial Police Region 1 convened a meeting with related agencies to resolve doubts surrounding Nat’s death. The focus is on whether the death resulted from overwork, poisoning by an associate, or ingestion of a toxic substance. Four friends, Ms. Or, Ms. O, Mr. Ton, and Mr. Big, who were with Nat before her death, have been summoned for questioning.

CCTV footage has provided some clues, showing Mr. Ton leaving the house with a black cloth bag and later returning, claiming to have forgotten his wallet. This contradicts the autopsy’s suggested time of death. Mr. Big discovered Nut’s body and called for help, while the other two female friends returned shortly after.

Investigators are also examining the acquisition of cyanide, a highly toxic substance. Bang Kruai Police Station has summoned the four friends, with statements scheduled for December 7th. They have also sought information from a fellow reporter, forensic officers, and the deceased’s relatives. The investigation continues with a focus on evidence review and CCTV footage.