PATHUM THANI — A 20-year-old veterinary student has sought help from the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women to investigate her mother’s suspicious death at a massage spa in Yuki, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.
Kanyawee “Mint” Nanongthum reported that her mother, Nongnaphat “Toon,” 47, was found dead naked on a massage bed at the spa on October 5. The student suspects foul play and is seeking assistance to bring her mother’s body back to Thailand.
Suspicious Circumstances
Mint told foundation president Pavena Hongsakul that she last spoke with her mother via video call at 11 p.m. on October 4. During that conversation, her mother recounted being choked by an apparently mentally unstable Japanese customer the previous day. The mother said she threatened to call police, prompting the man to release her.
After that call, Mint could no longer reach her mother. Messages went unread, and the spa owner initially lied, claiming the woman had left with a man—despite already knowing she was dead.
“The owner deleted my mother’s photos from the shop’s page and told me to delete my missing person posts because it was damaging their business,” Mint said. “I don’t understand what I did wrong.”
Mother Worked to Support Daughter’s Education
The mother had been working at the Thai-owned spa in Japan for about six months, sending money to support her daughter’s medical studies. Mint, who lives with her 73-year-old grandmother, also relies on student loans for tuition.
“My mother was the pillar of our family. She went to Japan to earn money so I could finish my veterinary degree,” Mint said. “She wasn’t sick before this. Finding her naked and dead on a massage bed is completely abnormal.”
Foundation Steps In
Pavena said she has coordinated with Pol. Col. Suraphan Thaiprasert, Commander of the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police, and the Foreign Ministry to work with Japanese authorities and the Thai embassy to investigate the death and arrange repatriation.
Bringing the body home is expected to cost around 200,000 baht. The Foreign Ministry has offered to provide a loan, which Mint would need to repay. The foundation is seeking public donations and has pledged to support Mint’s education until graduation.
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