Lady of the Hills’ Mother Reacts to British Son-in-Law’s Arrest in Thailand

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Joomsri Seekanya weeps while speaking about her daughter Lamduan Seekanya (right), who was found dead in Yorkshire Dales National Park, U.K. in 2004.

UDON THANI — Thai immigration police and the Department of Special Investigation have apprehended David Armitage, 62, a British national suspected in the mysterious death of “Lady of the Hills,” a Thai woman who found in Yorkshire Dales National Park, U.K. in 2004. “Lady of the Hills” was later identified as Lamduan Seekanya from Phen district, Udon Thani province. She got married with Armitage in 1990.

In an emotional interview with Khaosod reporter on January 26, Lamduan’s 80-year-old mother, Joomsri Seekanya, spoke from her modest home behind a temple in Udon Thani, where she now lives with her husband and grandson. Lamduan was the eldest of her six children.

“I only learned about David’s arrest when journalists called me,” Joomsri said, wiping away tears. “I’ve always believed he was involved. My daughter told me about the physical abuse she endured. The last time I saw her was in 2004 when she visited with David. Then we heard nothing until news came of her death on the mountain.”

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Thai authorities have arrested David Armitage, 62, at his residence in Nong Bua district, Kanchanaburi province on Jan. 23, 2025.

Joomsri described her daughter as an innocent person who never had conflicts with anyone. “I had a strange feeling when she first went to England. It was as if she would never return,” she recalled.

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After 20 years of separation, Joomsri expressed gratitude to the police for bringing the person suspected in her daughter’s death to justice. “If my daughter’s spirit can hear me, I want to tell her to rest in peace. If reincarnation exists, I hope she becomes a celestial being rather than returning as a human to face such suffering in a world lacking moral principles.”

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Joomsri Seekanya weeps while speaking to media on Jan.26, 2025 about her daughter Lamduan Seekanya (right), who was found dead in Yorkshire Dales National Park, U.K. in 2004.
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Lamduan Seekanya in images provided by her mother, Joomsri Seekanya.

Authorities arrested Armitage, Lamduan’s husband, at a residence in Kanchanaburi province on January 23, 2025. Immigration officials have revoked his permission to stay in Thailand under Section 12(7) of the Immigration Act 1979. He is currently being held pending proceedings under both immigration laws and the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Police acknowledged Armitage’s detention in Thailand on January 25, stating it was related to his immigration status.

“We are aware of the detention in Thailand of David Armitage, the husband of Lamduan Armitage. We understand it relates to his visa status and residence in Thailand and is entirely a matter for the Immigration Service of the Royal Thai Police.

“Should Mr Armitage be deported, we understand that he will have a choice as to where he goes, which will include return to the UK. Should that occur, we will again make every effort to speak to him about the investigation.”

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British Man Arrested in Thailand Over 2004 “Lady of the Hills” Murder Case