A 31-year-old man in Thailand has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly attempting to sexually assault his sister-in-law before killing her inside her home in Chiang Mai.
The victim, a 21-year-old waitress known as U-sa, also called Praew, was discovered dead inside a house located in the Hang Dong district. Authorities believe the incident occurred several days before her body was found.
The case has shocked the local community after investigators revealed details suggesting the killing took place following an attempted sexual assault.
BODY DISCOVERED AFTER WOMAN FAILED TO REPORT FOR WORK
The young woman’s body was reportedly discovered by colleagues who became concerned after she did not show up for work. When they arrived at the house to check on her, they found her lifeless inside the residence and alerted the police.
Officers from Hang Dong Police Station responded to the scene and conducted an initial examination of the body. Authorities noted that the victim’s lower body was unclothed and visible marks around her neck suggested she had been strangled.
Investigators believe the victim had been dead for approximately two days before she was found.
During the early stages of the investigation, police considered several possible motives, including robbery and sexual assault. Five men connected to the victim were called in for questioning, including her current boyfriend, her former partner, the landlord and two other acquaintances.
However, none of them were immediately identified as suspects.
POLICE INVESTIGATION LEADS TO BROTHER-IN-LAW
The investigation later focused on the victim’s 31-year-old brother-in-law, identified as Phanuwat, who lived with his wife in another house located within the same orchard area.
According to reports, Phanuwat initially spoke with investigators as part of routine questioning. However, police later discovered evidence linking him to the crime.
After further questioning, the man allegedly confessed to the killing.
He reportedly told police that he had been drinking alcohol near the house on the night of Mar. 5 before going to Praew’s home. He claimed he entered her bedroom on the second floor where she was asleep and attempted to assault her.
When she resisted, he allegedly grabbed her by the neck during a struggle. Investigators said he later used an electrical cord from a hair straightener to strangle her.
Authorities believe the victim died from the attack.
ATTEMPT TO STAGE CRIME SCENE
The suspect reportedly told police that he initially did not realise the woman had died.
After discovering that she was no longer breathing, he allegedly attempted to stage the scene to resemble a robbery.
According to investigators, he threw the victim’s belongings, including her bag and hat, into a rubbish bin outside the house. He also reportedly cleaned doorknobs using chemical thinner in an effort to remove fingerprints.
While leaving the property, he encountered a parcel delivery rider who had arrived with a package for the victim. The suspect reportedly paid for the delivery before departing the scene.
Police said this encounter later helped investigators trace his movements and identify him as a key suspect.
Phanuwat has since been formally charged with intentional murder under Thai law. If convicted, he could face severe penalties including the death sentence, life imprisonment, or a prison term ranging from 15 to 20 years.