Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

Police announced on 6 December that a 19-year-old woman was found dead in a Bangkok housing block after her boyfriend allegedly beat her to death and lived with her decomposing body for 17 days, prompting shock among neighbours who first noticed a strong odour. Police from Khan Na Yao Police Station discovered the body of Ms Airin, known as “Yi”, naked, swollen and bearing bruises inside a unit at an Eua-Athorn building in Bang Khen. Officers also found drug-taking equipment and rescued the suspect’s mother, who had been locked in a separate room.

 

The incident first came to light when the victim’s father, Mr Saiyont Sawatdech, 56, was alerted by a friend on 1 December at around 15.30 after neighbours detected a foul smell from the room. He said he had not seen his daughter for two to three weeks and went immediately to the building. Police arrived at about 16.00 and were met by the suspect, Mr Thanathan, 34, who opened the door before officers located the body inside.

 

According to police, Mr Thanathan confessed during questioning that he had beaten Ms Airin to death on 15 November. He admitted covering the body with charcoal used for cooking to reduce the smell and continued living in the room as normal for 17 days. He also locked his mother in another room to stop her from leaving and notifying authorities.

 

Mr Saiyont said he was devastated by his daughter’s death and had repeatedly warned her about the suspect’s violent behaviour and drug use. He recounted several previous assaults, including a severe incident in August when the suspect allegedly beat her with a metal bar at a takraw court and dragged her for more than 50 metres to his room, leading the father to file a police complaint. He said officers told them to obtain a medical report to proceed with charges, but before they reached a doctor, the suspect apologised and persuaded his daughter to return to him.

 

Mr Saiyont added that he last saw his daughter in mid-October and was told by a younger sibling that she might be staying with friends, leading him not to suspect anything until the smell was reported. He called for the suspect to face the full legal consequences and to be prevented from harming anyone else in the future.

 

Amarin reported that police have charged Mr Thanathan with murder and sent him to Min Buri Court for detention. Investigators have also coordinated with forensic police to determine further evidence and confirm the exact cause of death. The case is expected to proceed with additional forensic findings and court processes.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Police arrested a 34-year-old man who confessed to killing his 19-year-old girlfriend and living with her body for 17 days.

• The victim’s father said the suspect had a history of violent assaults and drug use throughout the relationship.

• The suspect faces a murder charge and will be sent to Min Buri Court for detention as forensic examination continues.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Amarin 2025-12-07

 

 

On 12/6/2025 at 1:55 PM, Georgealbert said:

The victim’s father said the suspect had a history of violent assaults and drug use throughout the relationship.

you failed as a father!! RIP young lady.