HUA HIN — A woman working at a hotel in the seaside town of Hua Hin was beaten to death at the reception counter during a robbery in the early hours of 19 January 2026, police said, as images of a suspect circulated widely on social media.
The attack occurred at about 03:07 at a hotel in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Closed-circuit television footage shows a man believed to be aged between 35 and 40 entering the hotel, climbing over the reception counter and repeatedly striking the female clerk on the head with a metal weapon more than 10 times. The victim collapsed and died at the scene, police said. The suspect then stole property and fled.
Police said members of the public and news pages have been sharing CCTV images online in an effort to help track down the suspect.
Pol. Col. Kampanat Na Wichai, superintendent of Hua Hin police station, ordered investigators to secure the scene, trace the suspect’s escape route and gather evidence from witnesses. CCTV footage from the hotel is a key piece of evidence, police said.
Authorities said they have gathered sufficient evidence and obtained a warrant from the Hua Hin Provincial Court for the arrest of the suspect identified from the CCTV images. Police are continuing an urgent manhunt, citing the brutality of the crime and concerns for public safety.
Separately, police said Maj. Gen. Athon Chinthong, commander of Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police, is expected to visit the area on 20 January 2026 to personally oversee the investigation and press for a swift resolution to restore public confidence.
Police urged anyone who recognises the suspect or has information to contact Hua Hin police station or call the emergency number 191 immediately.
