Udon Thani police hunt killer of shop worker, 24

Police in Udon Thani are investigating the death of a 24-year-old convenience store worker found naked and face-down in her rented room, with an electrical cable around her neck.

Phattharawarin, known as Pim, was found at an apartment building in Moo 1, Ban Lueam, Udon Thani, at about 4.30pm on 15 September 2026. A doctor estimated that she had been dead for around 20 hours, with strangulation causing her death.

Police said her body was covered with a blanket in room 1. There were abrasions on her buttocks and remains of faeces on her body.

Officers found a black electrical plug cable tightened around her neck. A desk fan had fallen onto its side on a table and belongings in the room were scattered, while the toilet had not been flushed.

However, her valuables were still present, including two mobile phones.

Police examine possible struggle

Pol Lt Sorawisit Miphian, deputy investigation inspector at Udon Thani City Police Station, attended the scene alongside Pol Lt Col Pichet Pakethati, Pol Lt Wikan Sutrong, forensic officers, investigators, an on-duty doctor from Udon Thani Hospital and Methatham rescue volunteers.

Police initially believe Phattharawarin had taken sick leave after developing a fever and was resting in her room. Investigators suspect she may have been using the bathroom when someone knocked at, or entered, the room.

They believe a struggle followed when she came out and encountered the attacker, who then strangled her. Officers are checking CCTV footage from the apartment block and surrounding area for clues.

Colleagues became concerned

Jiraporn, known as May, 30, a colleague who found the body, said Phattharawarin lived alone and worked at a convenience store. She had completed a morning shift on Sunday at 3pm.

At 5am on Monday, Phattharawarin sent a Line message asking to take leave. Jiraporn said they were still in contact at about 6.45am, when Phattharawarin said she had a fever that had worsened overnight.

She was due at work on Tuesday but did not contact the shop, call in sick or answer calls from colleagues. Jiraporn said Phattharawarin was single and had not spoken of personal problems, other than sometimes being tired from work.

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

Friend Veerachet Kham, known as Tong, 25, said she had lived alone at the apartment for three to four months and had worked at the convenience store for three years. He last spoke with her normally on Sunday and could not reach her by phone or chat message on Monday.

He described her as cautious around men but said she often left her room unlocked, even when going to work, despite his repeated warnings.

Veerachet said her relationship with a former boyfriend ended amicably four to five years ago after disagreements over engagement plans; the man paid 30,000 baht. He said she had no current partner and no workplace problems.

Family calls for answers

Her aunt, Bumbim, 37, said she had only recently learned that her niece was working and living in Udon Thani. She urged police to follow the evidence and arrest the offender. The investigation remains ongoing.

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17 September 2026