HUA HIN — Police in Prachuap Khiri Khan province have launched a major manhunt, deploying more than 100 officers to seal off Hua Hin as they hunt for a suspect accused of killing a female hotel worker during a robbery in the town centre.
Provincial police commander Maj. Gen. Athorn Chinthong ordered the large-scale operation at noon on 20 January 2026, mobilising investigators from Hua Hin police, Region 7 police, provincial units and nearby stations under an operation dubbed “Hua Hin lockdown”.
Police said the suspect allegedly attacked the victim with a metal pipe, killing her before fleeing with stolen property. The crime has sparked fear among residents and tourists in the popular resort town.
Officers have been conducting sweeping searches in high-risk areas, reviewing CCTV footage along possible escape routes, gathering intelligence and tracking mobile phone signals linked to the suspect. Police said the latest signal was traced to the Nong Khon community, raising suspicions that the suspect may still be hiding in the area.
Authorities have also coordinated with Cha-am police in neighbouring Phetchaburi province, warning that the area could be used as an escape route.
Police urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals to the emergency hotline 191, available 24 hours a day.
Maj. Gen. Athorn cautioned the public about images circulating on social media allegedly showing the suspect dressed as a woman, saying the information appeared to originate solely from Facebook and could cause confusion.
Police said preliminary background checks show the suspect has a history of violent crimes in his home province of Nakhon Ratchasima, including assault, grievous bodily harm, trespass and sexual offences, with similar patterns of violence.
Investigators said they have gathered sufficient evidence and obtained an arrest warrant from the Hua Hin Provincial Court. The suspect faces charges including premeditated murder, murder with extreme cruelty, and murder committed to facilitate another crime, namely robbery, resulting in death.
Authorities said all units in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been placed on alert as the search continues, urging the public to prioritise safety and immediately inform police if the suspect is spotted.
