Thailand's 'Ice Metal Casket': The Sadistic Crimes of Apichai Ongwisit

In early January 2020, Bangkok police launched an investigation into the disappearance of Warinthorn Chaiyachet, known as KukKik, who had recently filed a complaint against an unknown male for harassment.

Her last known location was traced to 47 Soi Phet Kasem, Bang Khae, the residence of her boyfriend, Apichai Ongwisit. This case took a dark turn when a former colleague of Ongwisit, a security guard with links to drug dealing, alleged that he had witnessed Chaiyachet's murder.

On January 17th, a horrific discovery was made in the garden of Ongwisit's home: the remains of Warinthorn Chaiyachet. Identified by a distinctive large tattoo on her back, the finding of her remains was a grim confirmation of the fears surrounding her disappearance.

Apichai Ongwisit: A Disturbing Background

Apichai Ongwisit, a 40-year-old wealthy property heir, had already gained notoriety as the 'Thai Ted Bundy' or 'Ice Metal Casket'. His criminal activities included dealing in yaba, a potent street drug combining methamphetamine and caffeine. In December 2019, police had rescued a young girl from his home, who reported being raped at gunpoint by Ongwisit. Furthermore, during a raid, police discovered over 1,100 yaba pills in his residence, resulting in a significant drug charge.

Family History of Violence

Ongwisit's propensity for violence and disregard for human life seemed to have familial roots. His father, Chaloemchai Ongwisit, was convicted in 1983 for the murder of 15-year-old Nuanprang Bunnag. The motive was as trivial as it was chilling; Bunnag had tapped on a fish tank in Chaloemchai's market, allegedly distressing the fish.

Chaloemchai, with the help of his brother-in-law, brutally murdered and dismembered Bunnag, leaving her remains in a box near Wat Phraya Krai. Although Chaloemchai was later released from prison, his life ended in a violent hit, rumored to have been orchestrated by his wife, who subsequently fled the country.

Grim Discoveries at Ongwisit's Residence

The search at Ongwisit’s property revealed horrifying evidence. Police found hundreds of bones in a pond, which were believed to belong to multiple young women.

Two bodies were recovered; one was a complete torso, wrapped in clothes, bedsheets, and a black plastic bag, anchored to the pond's bottom with heavy metal objects and chains. The presence of flesh-eating fish in the pond added a gruesome layer to the already macabre scene.

The Murder of Warinthorn Chaiyachet

The circumstances surrounding Chaiyachet's death were particularly brutal. Ongwisit claimed that her death was accidental, resulting from a dumbbell falling off a shelf during a violent altercation. However, evidence suggested a more sinister reality. Ongwisit attacked Chaiyachet with an iron bar, causing a severe chest injury that eventually led to her death. He then tortured her, binding her hands and ankles, and placed her in a metal casket in his bedroom, designed for such horrific purposes. Ongwisit’s security guard, seeking leniency on a drug charge, later testified to witnessing these events.

Final Justice

Apichai Ongwisit, known to the public as ‘Ice Metal Casket’, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. His trial brought to light a pattern of sadistic behavior and multiple crimes, including the 2019 rape at gunpoint. The sentence was a culmination of various charges, reflecting the gravity and depravity of his actions.

Conclusion

The case of Apichai Ongwisit serves as a grim reminder of the depths of human depravity. The investigation not only brought justice for Warinthorn Chaiyachet but also uncovered a history of violence and sadism that spanned generations within the Ongwisit family. The recovery of numerous remains from his property suggests that the full extent of his crimes may never be fully known. This case has left an indelible mark on Thai criminal history, illustrating the importance of vigilance and thorough investigation in bringing such heinous criminals to justice.