A Chinese woman who went missing in Pattaya after attending a private party has been found dead in a coconut plantation in Thailand, prompting an ongoing police investigation.
The victim, identified as 34-year-old Ji Cherngchao, had been working in the resort city of Pattaya when she suddenly disappeared. Her body was later discovered in a plantation area in Ratchaburi province.
The case has drawn significant public attention after details emerged about her last known movements and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Authorities confirmed that a suspect has already been identified and may soon be called in for questioning as the investigation continues.
Boyfriend Travelled From China To Search For Her
Ji’s boyfriend, 31-year-old Zhang Xiaotian, travelled from China to Thailand after learning that she had gone missing.
According to Zhang, the couple had been in a relationship for more than four years. While he remained based in China, Ji had been working in Pattaya.
He filed a missing person report with officers at Nong Prue Police Station on Feb. 23 after receiving worrying news from one of Ji’s friends.
The friend had reportedly received a brief message from Ji at around 6:37am on Feb. 21 containing a single word: “Help”.
After repeated attempts to contact her failed, the friend alerted Zhang, who then travelled to Thailand to report the matter to police.
CCTV Footage Shows Woman Leaving Villa With Suspect
Investigators later determined that Ji had been working as a party entertainer at a pool villa located in Soi Chaiyaphruek 2 in Pattaya.
At the time, several Chinese men were reportedly staying at the property.
Police reviewed security camera footage from inside the villa and identified one of the men as a key suspect in the case.
According to investigators, Ji appeared to be interacting closely with the man during the gathering.
Later footage showed the suspect accompanying Ji out of the residence while she appeared to be unconscious.
He was then seen placing her inside his car before driving away from Pattaya towards Ratchaburi province.
Body Found In Plantation As Investigation Continues
Authorities were later alerted after local residents discovered a woman’s body in a ditch within a coconut plantation in Bang Phae district.
Police confirmed that the deceased was Ji, the missing Chinese national.
The body has since been sent for a forensic examination to determine the exact cause of death. Investigators are examining whether the death was linked to physical assault, excessive alcohol consumption or other intoxicating substances.
Ji’s boyfriend has urged Thai authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice, noting that the case has attracted attention in Chinese media.
Police said the Chinese suspect has been identified and will likely be summoned for questioning as investigators work to determine what happened during the final hours before Ji’s death.