TAK — Police are investigating the killing of a well-known LGBTQ TikTok influencer whose body was found in a forested area in Mae Sot district, Tak province, with officers believing the crime was premeditated and motivated by robbery.
Mae Sot police said they were notified on 20 January of a body discovered in a grassy forest near Phathong village, Mae Tao subdistrict. Officers and forensic personnel went to the scene, which is near a road leading to a well-known factory.
The deceased was identified as Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, 25, an influencer popular within the LGBTQ community with more than 159,000 followers on TikTok. He was found lying face down, wearing a yellow T-shirt with a jacket over it and black tracksuit trousers.
Police said initial examinations showed blunt-force injuries to the head, with dried blood on the face. A bloodstained wooden stick was found nearby and is believed to be the weapon used in the attack. Officers also found an alcohol bottle, the victim’s shoulder bag, cosmetics, a bank book, condoms and other personal belongings scattered around the area.
People close to the victim told police he left his accommodation late at night on 18 January after receiving a call via social media from someone asking for help. He did not return.
Investigators said they believe the suspect planned the crime in advance, arranging to meet the victim at the secluded location rather than at his residence. The area is isolated and surrounded by bushes, police said.
Several valuables belonging to the victim including a gold necklace, gold rings, a gold bracelet and an iPhone 17 were reported missing.
Police said they are questioning witnesses and gathering forensic evidence as they work to identify and arrest the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.
