Teen Boyfriend Questioned Over Pattaya Petrol Station Death

Police in Pattaya have questioned the 16-year-old boyfriend of a 22-year-old woman who died after collapsing at a petrol station in North Pattaya, as investigators await autopsy results to determine the cause of her death.

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The case emerged after Somporn Thongsuk, 54, the victim’s adoptive father, challenged initial claims that his daughter, Kanoknipa “Mint” Laypol, had suddenly collapsed while working at a petrol station on Sukhumvit Road in North Pattaya. He said he was informed on the night, that she had fainted and later died despite efforts by rescue workers and medical staff from Bangkok Hospital Pattaya to revive her.

According to Mr Somporn, colleagues initially told him his daughter had been working overtime and had consumed several bottles of kratom water and energy drinks before collapsing. However, the following day, he was informed by an acquaintance that she may have been assaulted before her death.

After reviewing CCTV footage from the petrol station, Mr Somporn said the recordings appeared to show the victim’s boyfriend, who also worked at the station, physically assaulting her. The footage reportedly showed Kanoknipa falling to the ground, suffering convulsions and then becoming unconscious.

Picture courtesy of SiamChon

On 4 June, Pol Lt Col Yongyut Wannuea, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Bang Lamung Police Station, and his team invited the boyfriend, known as “Aom”, aged 16, for further questioning. His parents attended the interview as legal guardians.

Police said the teenager and his parents had already met investigators shortly after the incident to cooperate with the inquiry. He denied intending to harm or kill his girlfriend but admitted the couple argued and became involved in a physical altercation.

The teenager told police the couple had been together for about one year. He said he became jealous after discovering Facebook messages between Kanoknipa and a former boyfriend and travelled to the petrol station at about 10pm on 31 May to confront her.

He admitted there was pushing and pulling during the argument and said he swung her away while she was grabbing his shirt. According to his statement, she fell against a motorcycle before suffering convulsions and collapsing. He said he and colleagues then moved her into the station’s minimart, attempted first aid and called emergency services.

The boy’s mother said the family was deeply saddened by the death and had cooperated fully with police from the beginning. She also apologised to the victim’s family and said her son had no intention of causing Kanoknipa’s death.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that conclusions will depend on the final autopsy report from the forensic institute. If the findings show the victim died as a result of assault, further legal action will follow under procedures involving prosecutors and relevant child protection authorities.

Mr Somporn said the family has postponed her cremation and will keep the body until the full forensic results are released, a process expected to take around 45 days. He said the family remains concerned because an initial forensic document listed the cause of death as circulatory and respiratory failure, which they believe does not fully explain the circumstances shown in the CCTV footage.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamChon 5 June 2026