Police have arrested a man accused of murdering and dismembering his 20-year-old Lao girlfriend, whose body was found in seven bags in a canal in Nonthaburi province. The discovery sparked outrage and grief, with the victim’s brother publicly mourning at the scene.

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Authorities were alerted on 24 March after a black bag was spotted floating in a canal parallel to the Khlong Prabha, near Saint Francis Xavier School in Ban Mai, Pak Kret district. The bag emitted a strong odour, prompting officers to call in the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and forensic experts to investigate.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

Initial inspections revealed a human head wrapped in a light green towel with blue and pink patterns. Police then conducted a wider search in nearby dense undergrowth, recovering six additional bags containing body parts.

The victim was identified by her brother, Mr Dech, as his youngest sister, 20-year-old Ms Am. Speaking at the scene, he described her as gentle, polite, and devoted to her family. He expressed anguish over her death, stating, “Why must her life end like this?”

Mr Dech raised concerns about his sister’s boyfriend, known only as Mr Tom, who disappeared after taking some of her belongings and was unreachable by phone. Police reports indicate that the accused works as a chef at a local hospital. Authorities believe he may have applied skills from his occupation in the dismemberment of his girlfriend.

Thung Song Hong police reported that Mr Tom was arrested by immigration as he was trying to escape into Laos. He was taken into custody and police are conducting further questioning. Plans are underway to transfer him to Pak Kret police for a reconstruction of the crime, before the suspect is charged.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 25 Mar 2026

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Absolutely sickening.

This young woman’s life was taken in the most callous way imaginable, and the fact that he stole her belongings and tried to flee the country makes it even more revolting.

No excuses, no sympathy, just hope justice is swift and uncompromising for someone capable of something this cruel.