BANGKOK — Thai Court has issued an arrest warrant for a Chinese man suspected of murdering a Chinese woman in Bangkok. This will lead to a request for Interpol’s assistance in arresting the suspect, who had already left Thailand in early July.
On July 17, the South Bangkok Criminal Court approved an arrest warrant for Mr. Ma Qingyan, the prime suspect in the murder of Miss Yan Ruimin, 38, in Bangkok’s Bang Rak district. Miss Yan disappeared on July 2, and her body was discovered on July 13 in a grassy area in Chachoengsao province. Her belongings, including a handbag, were burned in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.
Police Colonel Thammasak Saraboon, Superintendent of Bang Rak Police Station, ordered investigators to gather evidence and request the arrest warrant for Mr. Ma. The charges include murder and concealing, moving, or destroying a corpse to hide the cause of death.
Thai police will now coordinate with Interpol to issue a Blue Notice for Mr. Ma’s arrest and extradition to Thailand. Investigations have revealed that the suspect fled Thailand on July 3, with evidence showing he traveled to Hong Kong and Macau.
Miss Yan’s family has expressed their desire for the case to be transferred to China, where murder carries a maximum penalty of death. Chinese Embassy officials have stated they will coordinate with Chinese authorities to determine whether they will investigate the case themselves or assist in arresting and extraditing the suspect back to Thailand, in accordance with the cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Initially, Miss Yan’s disappearance was mistakenly thought to be a kidnapping for ransom. This misunderstanding arose when Mr. Cai, a Chinese student in Thailand and friend of Miss Yan, reported her missing to Bang Rak Police Station. Mr. Cai had called Miss Yan’s family, suggesting she might have been kidnapped for ransom, similar to a previous case involving a Chinese female student. He advised the family to prepare 1 million yuan as a precaution.
Police Major General Nopsilp Poonsawat, Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, stated that the police investigation is focusing on personal motives, including a possible love affair.
Mr. Ma was seen on CCTV on July 1 holding Miss Yan’s hand as they walked along Rama IV Road. They returned to their car and left together. Miss Yan disappeared on July 2 in a residence on Sukhumvit Soi 16. Forensic officials found bloodstains on a pillowcase and bed sheet in this house.
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