PHUKET, THAILAND – Police in the tourist island of Phuket arrested a 43-year-old man who confessed to killing local tour guide Orathai Auyapong following a robbery.
Investigators confirmed the discovery of 39-year-old Orathai Auyapong’s body inside her bronze Nissan Sunny, license plate Phuket 5311, in a residential area on the island. The body was found on Bang Khu intersection, where officers intercepted the suspect as he attempted to flee to Phang Nga province.
Suspect intercepted at Bang Khu intersection
Police units stopped the 43-year-old suspect on the main road near the Bang Khu junction. Officers stated he planned to leave Phuket and return to his home province immediately after the crime. The arrest occurred before he could board a northbound route off the island.
“The suspect admitted to the robbery and murder,”
said Police Spokesperson.
According to the same statement, the suspect robbed the victim before taking her life and leaving her body inside the car. Officials confirmed that multiple items were missing from the vehicle, though investigators have not yet specified what was taken.
Police confirm robbery motive
Authorities said initial findings pointed to theft as the main motive. After taking belongings from the victim, the perpetrator drove away from the crime scene and abandoned the vehicle with Orathai Auyapong’s body inside.
“We consider this case a robbery-murder,”
said Phuket Police Department.
Officers began formal procedures for detention and preliminary charges on the same day. The suspect remained under questioning while police sought additional evidence and verified details around the stolen property.
Victim identified as prominent local tour guide
Officials confirmed that Orathai Auyapong was a respected member of the Andaman Tour Guide Association. Colleagues described her as a knowledgeable professional in sustainable tourism who regularly guided foreign visitors across Phuket and the surrounding Andaman coast.
“She was a great colleague and a leader,”
said Member of the Tourism Association.
Her death drew public mourning and concern from Phuket’s tourism sector, which remains a key economic pillar for Thailand’s southern provinces.
Investigation and security concerns
Police reported that the investigation continued across multiple districts, with teams collecting CCTV evidence and searching for possible accomplices.
“We are following all leads,”
said Phuket Police.
Local authorities stated they would strengthen tourist area patrols as the case rekindled discussion on safety conditions for both visitors and tourism personnel.
Key developments:
– Orathai Auyapong’s body found in her bronze Nissan Sunny, plate Phuket 5311.
– 43-year-old male suspect arrested near Bang Khu intersection on route to Phang Nga.
– Police confirmed robbery-murder confession.
– Victim was an active member of the Andaman Tour Guide Association.
– Investigation ongoing; formal charges expected within days.
The killing of Orathai Auyapong marked one of the most serious violent crimes in recent months on Phuket, prompting renewed scrutiny of the island’s security measures for workers in the tourism industry.