Si Ouey Sae Urng, colloquially known as Si Ouey, has been a figure of both real and mythological horror in Thailand for decades. A Chinese immigrant, Si Ouey turned into a notorious serial killer whose crimes shook the Thai nation in the 1950s.
Early Life and Migration
Si Ouey was born in Guangdong Province, China, in 1922. He immigrated to Thailand amidst the chaos of the Chinese Civil War. Initially, he took on odd jobs, including gardening. However, as a 1958 Bangkok Post article stated, “Beneath the quiet exterior was a man with tendencies that were nothing short of malevolent.”
A Deep Dive into the Timeline of His Crimes
The Suspicious 1954 Rayong Incident
In 1954, a child was found dead in the province of Rayong. While no direct evidence linked Si Ouey to the crime, the peculiarities surrounding the death led investigators to consider him a suspect. The victim showed signs of being suffocated, a method that would later become Si Ouey’s modus operandi.
The Spree of 1955-1958: A Detail of Each Crime
Between 1955 and 1958, a string of child murders sent shockwaves through Thai communities. In Nakhon Pathom, a child was found dead near a canal, suffocated and partially buried. In Bangkok, two more similar cases emerged within months of each other.
Quoting a Thai Rath article from that period: “Children are not safe. The boogeyman we whispered about seems to have come to life. Authorities must put an end to this horror.”
His Tools of Crime: A Closer Look
When Si Ouey was finally arrested in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province in January 1958, a search of his residence led to the discovery of various weapons, including knives and strangling cords. These were later shown as evidence during his trial.
The 1959 Trial: Media Frenzy and Public Sentiment
Si Ouey’s trial was one that captured national attention. The courtroom was often packed, and reporters jostled for space. His conviction led to headlines like the one from The Siam Daily: “The Boogeyman’s Reign Ends: Sentenced to Death by Firing Squad.”
Execution and Its Aftermath
Si Ouey was executed by firing squad on September 16, 1959. His body was embalmed and displayed at the Siriraj Medical Museum in Bangkok. For years, the exhibit served as both an educational piece and a grim tourist attraction. However, following a public outcry, his body was cremated in 2020. The Nation reported, “Si Ouey’s body finally finds peace after 61 tumultuous years.”