BANGKOK — Thai Police are searching for a Chinese national in connection with the death of a 21-year-old woman at a Ladprao district hotel, as the victim’s family raises serious allegations of police misconduct and attempted cover-ups.
The case began on February 10 when staff at a hotel in Ladprao district discovered an unresponsive woman at approximately 7:10 a.m. According to hotel records, the victim, later identified as Airada, had checked in with a Chinese national at 11:16 p.m. the previous night. The male guest, identified as Mr. Douying, 37, reportedly alerted hotel staff about the woman’s condition before hastily departing the scene after she was pronounced dead.
Initial police investigation found the deceased unclothed with no visible signs of physical trauma. However, social media posts later revealed concerning details about the incident, including chat messages showing the victim had been hired through a modeling agency for a 4-5 hour service at 6,000 baht, during which she expressed reluctance about drug use but was allegedly pressured to comply.
Immigration records show Mr. Douying entered Thailand on a tourist visa valid until July 2025. CCTV footage confirmed he was the only person to enter and exit the hotel room during the relevant timeframe. Immigration police have been notified to locate him for questioning.
The case took a controversial turn when reports emerged that the modeling agency had attempted to offer the victim’s family 100,000 baht to prevent police involvement. On February 13, the family, having received no compensation, had to borrow money to hold a modest one-day funeral ceremony at Bueng Thong Lang Temple in Bangkok.
On February 16, Airada’s mother, Ms. Sawanee, and sister traveled from Roi Et province to meet with investigators at Chokchai Police Station. They reported a disturbing interaction with the investigating officer who, despite initially promising a thorough investigation, later presented unsubstantiated claims about the victim’s alleged drug use, citing four unnamed witnesses. The officer indicated toxicology results would take 45 days to process.
The family alleges they were then pressured to choose between two options: accept a settlement including the return of Airada’s belongings and compensation, or pursue legal action with what the officer claimed was an 80% chance of losing. This development has raised serious concerns about potential interference in the investigation, particularly after the family learned of possible connections between the modeling agency and law enforcement.
As of now, the Chinese suspect remains at large, no compensation has been provided to the family, and questions continue to mount about the handling of the investigation. Police are trying to respond the criticism. Police are trying to respond to the criticism, announcing they have obtained a court-approved arrest warrant for the Chinese national.
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