Thai Woman Found Dead in Seoul Over Debt

A Thai woman living in South Korea has been found dead after reportedly taking her own life amid mounting debt and online public shaming by creditors. The woman, identified as 40-year-old Areerat, known as Fang, was discovered in a rented room in Seoul on May 23 after disappearing for two days.

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Her South Korean husband reportedly arrived at the room with their 13-year-old daughter before discovering her body. Relatives in Udon Thani later confirmed the death and said she had been under severe stress after accumulating debts of around 30 million won linked to her trading business.

According to family members, Fang sold Thai goods to Thai workers living in South Korea, including dried food, kitchenware and household products. Relatives said she often allowed customers to buy on credit, causing losses when many failed to repay her.

As her business cash flow worsened, she reportedly borrowed money from fellow Thai residents married to South Koreans. Family members claimed interest charges caused the debt to grow significantly, while creditors allegedly posted messages on Facebook publicly demanding repayment and humiliating her online.

Her sister, Anchalee, said Fang had posted a video on Facebook threatening to hang herself. She claimed some creditors responded by mocking her and demanding payment, adding to the pressure she was facing.

Family members said friends and a former employer had been trying to help settle the debts and arrange financial support. However, they lost contact with her before assistance could reach her.

Anchalee said Fang had worked overseas since she was a teen, including in Singapore before eventually moving to South Korea around 15 years ago. She first worked illegally in the country before later marrying a South Korean man who travelled to Thailand to ask for her hand in marriage.

The family said Fang had suffered from depression for the past five to six years but rarely discussed her personal struggles. Relatives described her as the main provider for the family, regularly sending between 10,000 and 20,000 baht each month to support her parents in Udon Thani.

Her mother, Bang-on, described her daughter as a hard-working woman who had spent most of her life working abroad to support her family. She said the family was now waiting to receive her ashes after cremation proceedings in South Korea, which are expected to take place on Tuesday, 26 May.

Amarin reported that authorities in South Korea are reportedly handling legal procedures linked to the case, while Fang’s husband is continuing arrangements connected to the investigation and funeral rites.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 26 May 2026