NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, THAILAND – A 31-year-old woman was found dead in a hotel room in southern Thailand, and police launched a nationwide manhunt for a former acquaintance who rented the room and then disappeared.
Woman found unresponsive in hotel room
Hotel staff discovered a 31-year-old woman lying unresponsive in a room in the evening. The man who had booked the room in his name had left the building shortly beforehand, after telling employees that his companion had fainted.
Emergency responders and police were called immediately, but the woman could not be saved by the time they arrived. The exact cause of death was to be determined by forensic medicine.
Forensic work at the crime scene
Investigators collected several items from the room as evidence, including the victim’s mobile phone. Forensic examination of the scene indicated signs consistent with a violent act, but the authorities did not release further details.
Officials also identified a digital bank payment used to pay for the room, which allowed them to confirm the suspect’s identity. Investigators were additionally reviewing surveillance footage from the hotel.
Well-known snooker player named as suspect
The wanted man was identified as Witthawat, a 50-year-old snooker player known in the local billiards scene by the nickname Sian Kluay. He and the deceased woman, known as Kimyong, had previously been in a relationship.
A warrant for his arrest on suspicion of murder was issued. Police initiated a nationwide search and examined camera recordings to reconstruct his escape route.
Investigators probe possible relationship motive
Officers assumed there had been an argument between the suspect and the victim before the woman’s death. The precise motive remained under investigation, but relationship-related offences between former partners were described as among the frequently documented categories of serious violent crime in Thailand.
After the completion of forensic examinations, the public prosecutor was expected to decide whether to bring formal charges. If convicted, the suspect could face the maximum penalty under Thai law.
Police seek public’s help
Hotel employees were being treated as witnesses in the case. Their statements about the suspect’s behaviour before he left the building formed part of the investigation file.
Police released information on the suspect’s possible whereabouts and appealed for assistance from the public. They stated that the case was being handled as a priority.