A Thai woman has died in South Korea after allegedly being beaten by her boyfriend, leaving her four-year-old son without a mother and her family in Thailand unable to afford to repatriate her body. The incident occurred on 11 February 2026 in Mokpo, where the victim had been working as a labourer. South Korean police have detained the suspect and confirmed she died from severe physical assault.
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The victim, identified as Ms Sunanta, known as “Nong Taew”, was in her early 30s and originally from O Lo district in Chaiyaphum province. A single mother, she travelled to South Korea to work as a casual labourer in order to support her young son and her impoverished family. She later began living with a Thai boyfriend, identified as Mr Sak and the couple had cohabited in a dormitory-style room for about one year.
According to reports shared by the Facebook page “Thep Thewada Mac”, Mr Sak was a heavy drinker and allegedly assaulted Ms Sunanta when intoxicated. Neighbours were said to be aware of repeated incidents in which she was slapped, punched and kicked until she lost consciousness. Despite advice to leave him, she reportedly remained in the relationship due to emotional attachment and lack of alternatives.
On the night of 11 February, Mr Sak allegedly became heavily intoxicated and assaulted her again, striking her with fists, knees and elbows. Believing she had merely fainted as on previous occasions, he reportedly went to sleep beside her body. The following morning he found her unresponsive, with her body stiff and covered in bruises. Hospital staff later confirmed she had died from severe physical assault and internal injuries.
South Korean authorities have taken Mr Sak into custody on a charge of assault causing death and are proceeding with legal action. Meanwhile, the victim’s mother in Chaiyaphum has said she has no funds to manage the return of her daughter’s body. The family is considering cremation in South Korea, as repatriating the body to Thailand would cost between 200,000 and 300,000 baht and plans to return only her ashes.
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by Thai migrant workers in South Korea, particularly those without legal status who may fear reporting abuse. It also highlights concerns about domestic violence within overseas Thai communities, where incidents may be regarded as private matters.
Komchadluek reported that further legal proceedings against the suspect will continue under South Korean law. Arrangements for the cremation and return of the ashes are being discussed by relatives.
Picture courtesy of Komchadluek
Key Takeaways
• A Thai woman from Chaiyaphum died on 11 February after alleged repeated assaults by her boyfriend in Mokpo, South Korea.
• The suspect, identified as Mr Sak, has been detained on a charge of assault causing death.
• The victim’s family cannot afford repatriation costs of 200,000–300,000 baht and plans cremation in South Korea.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 13 Feb 2026
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