Female Japanese Tourist Robbed And Murdered In Sukhothai

[sriracha john]

Unsurprisingly, the international news coverage continues... with news now that perhaps more than one was involved...

Japanese tourist found dead in Thailand's ancient capital

BANGKOK, Thailand -- A Japanese woman was found stabbed to death near a popular tourist site in northern Thailand, police said Monday.

The woman, identified as Tomoko Kawashita, was found dead Sunday afternoon near a historical park in Thailand's ancient capital of Sukothai, 360 kilometers (220 miles) north of Bangkok, said Police Col. Amornsak Kemasiri.

The woman had been staying at a guesthouse in the city's Muangkao district and had rented a bicycle to go sightseeing in the park, Amornsak said, citing witnesses from the guesthouse.

Initial investigations indicate that attackers tried to rob Kawashita and then reacted violently when she apparently resisted, Amornsak said.

"They slashed her throat and stabbed her with a sharp object," he said. Police found 3,000 baht (US$95; €65) on her body but her wallet and passport were missing.

Police were still trying to determine the number and whereabouts of the woman's attackers, he said. There were no eyewitnesses to the crime.

- Associated Press

[Prakanong]

its not a good thing a tourist got murdered. but japanese tourist are targeted for crime a lot in hawaii, every so often one gets killed, always a gurl.

what puzzles me is how is thailands reputation is tarnished. does it have a pristine reputation now in the worlds eyes.

Thailand the "Brand" is already tarnished but something like this hurts it again.

Poor woman and her family too

[sriracha john]

Khao Sod newspaper article (in Thai) with photo of the murder scene (thankfully, not too graphically gruesome):

http://www.matichon.co.th/khaosod/view_new...HhNUzB5Tmc9PQ==

Edited November 26, 2007 by sriracha john

[DamianMavis]

The killer probably thought its a Thai woman. What I would really hate in this case would be if the police just gets some random guy again to show that they work efficient. The innocent guy gets executed and that's about it.

I think this is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read ANYWHERE, not just this forum. Thai people immediately recognise a non Thai, especially Japanese that have light skin, bigger noses, dress completely differently.... Foreigners are targetted because THEY CARRY MORE MONEY than a Thai girl, Japanese women are specifically targetted and often for rape and robbery, they are seen as a prize catch by normal Thai men, to predators they are a different kind of prize. Just because you can't tell the difference between Asian races doesnt mean they can't also.

Damian

Edited November 26, 2007 by DamianMavis

[thai_narak]

condelence to the victim's family...

i had send out too many condolences this year. this is not a good year to all the farangs in thailand.

[thai_narak]

The killer probably thought its a Thai woman. What I would really hate in this case would be if the police just gets some random guy again to show that they work efficient. The innocent guy gets executed and that's about it.

I think this is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read ANYWHERE, not just this forum. Thai people immediately recognise a non Thai, especially Japanese that have light skin, bigger noses, dress completely differently.... Foreigners are targetted because THEY CARRY MORE MONEY than a Thai girl, Japanese women are specifically targetted and often for rape and robbery, they are seen as a prize catch by normal Thai men, to predators they are a different kind of prize. Just because you can't tell the difference between Asian races doesnt mean they can't also.

Damian

i'm sure they knew that she's a foreigner. who will rob a thai lady in a bicycle? in a BMW, maybe...

thai_narak

[dgwooster]

It's not confined to the LOS. While I was in Pnom Penh last week a French girl was dragged off a bike during a purse snatching and got hit and killed by a mini-bus.

[Nordlys]

This will be a big blow for Japanese tourism to Thailand as it will be big headlines.

LaoPo

Poor girl. I hope Japanese newspapers splash this all over their front pages.

They already did, faster than Thai news media reported it.

But I don't really see this to be a big blow to Japanese tourism in Thailand.

It's not the first time a Japanese tourist was murdered in Thailand. I recall cases much worse than this and that didn't seem to deter Japanese tourists from visiting Thailand, the 5th popular overseas destination for Japanese tourists.

Edited November 26, 2007 by Nordlys

[steffi]

Yeah you only have to watch that crime show on Thursday nights to see how violent the country is. I remember seeing one episode where motorcycle duo's would just shoot food vendors on their way to work just to steal their cash. Usually they have some home made gun bought from some market somewhere. Outside of the main tourist areas it's a pretty treacherous place and this occasion it's happened near a well known tourist site.

Unfortunately the big yaba crackdown of a few years ago seems to have had little lasting effect inspite of numerous deaths and 'executions'.The lure of 'big' money seems to be all that drives most Thais.Many would go to any lengths and indeed risks to get this.I don't see this situation changing in a hurry.

My girlfriend says several of her friends have been attacked and even raped.She herself had her hand bag snatched by a passing motorcycle duo last year.She has no confidence in the police protecting her or arresting the culprits.Thai women are not safe from attack.Japanese women are very much in the same situation when out solo.

Edited November 26, 2007 by steffi

[sriracha john]

Japanese woman found fatally slashed in northern Thailand

BANGKOK -- A woman believed to be a Japanese national has been found fatally slashed on the neck at a World Heritage site in northern Thailand, local police said.

She was carrying an ID card of Tomoko Kawashita, 27, issued by an elephant trainer school, as well as about 3,000 baht, or approximately 10,000 yen. However, her passport has not been found.

Local police have transported the body to Bangkok, and are trying to confirm her identity.

The woman was found lying on the ground at Sukhothai Historical Park in northern Thailand, which has been designated as a World Heritage site, on Sunday afternoon, bleeding from her neck.

She had an air ticket from Luang Prabang, a World Heritage site in Laos, leading investigators to suspect that she was a tourist visiting World Heritage sites.

- Mainichi Daily News (Japan)

[Mosha]

I see here several quotes saying the Japanese are targeted. Well knowing how the Thais can bear a grudge, eg Burma. Could it be wartme thing. My boss (wife) tells me they still remember when the Burmese invaded.

Edited November 26, 2007 by Mosha

[sriracha john]

Japanese Tourist Slain in Ancient City of Sukothai

A Japanese tourist was robbed and slain while attending the Loy Kratong Festival in Thailand's ancient city of Sukothai. Police continue to search for the murderer.

Deputy Commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 6, Police Major General Ta-ngai Prassajaksastru travelled to tambon Muangkao Police Station in Sukothai Province and called on police officers working on the case of the Japanese tourist who was killed in Thailand's ancient capital of Sukothai over the weekend to update him on the investigation process.

The police reveal that they have apprehended and questioned about six suspects, but all were later released as they were not believed to be involved in the incident.

Representatives of the Japanese Embassy in Thailand identified the victim as Nomoko Yamachita. *apparent misspelling in regards to other reports*

The Japanese Embassy said Yamachita was traveling alone in Thailand and her family has already been informed of the murder.

The body of the Japanese tourist was found on the side of the road leading to one of the more remote ruins of the Sukhothai cultural heritage site with her throat slashed and her possessions stolen on Sunday.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited November 26, 2007 by sriracha john

[Ieyuhrah]

Hello, In reading all this and other comments about local crime, I did some quick calculations with these results (using 2006 US crime stats). US Nationwide per 100K population; Murder=6, Forcible rape=31, Robberies=150 To raw/total numbers this would be about (for the year) in Thailand National; Murder=3690, Forcible rape=19K, Robberies=92K BKK; Murder=600, Forcible rape=3100, Robberies=15K So, how do these compare with the realities of crimes there? I likewise offer my prayers to the friends & family of this young lady and for those responsable. Comments were made about YaBa. Any excuse/rationalization may be given but to me it comes down to the point that if there is no real hope for the future (either now or in an afterlife) then human life has no value. With no value then who really cares? This encompasses the government concern regarding the embarassment over the action instead of the importance of the loss of a life. Comments are made (on many threads) about everything being about a culture of money. Think about it. What else do they have and therefor why shouldn't they act that way...... Ieyuhrah

[Leeski]

"This is a priority case because it has damaged the reputation of Sukhothai and the entire country,"

Not because somebody is dead - so that's OK then.

Definitive isn’t it brother. In English this is saying they really only care when something affects them directly. The ole' saving face issue manifested like a trump card before a negative image can be created in the mind of a brain washed citizen. Given that one reporter cannot speak for a people as a whole. As well, this might not be a correct translation. Me and you just might be lost in translation and got them all wrong. Too bad drugs were not found at the scene or they just might be a little more feeling.

That poor little girl, If there is a God I hope she is taking care of the little one by removing her fear, torment, and pain. I hope everyone who reads about this takes a minute to think about how frightened, helpless, and alone she must have been in her last hour. And not thinking about their tourism, there image, what race she was, or that she was a tourist. She was some body’s neighbor, sister, and daughter that just wanted to take a bike ride to see something pretty down by the water. That is the tragedy not there image.

Well that's SPOT ON! My papa was a POW here in Thailand "fighting the Japanese imperial army. I grew up hearing hatred of the Japanese. But your comment, regarding her final hour "says it all" Thai's even have memories of the brutality inflicted by the Japanese in World War Two. But with the influx of "Tasty" Japanese porn floating around in Thailand I suspect, it was a sexual motive spurned on by some creeps fantasy.

Whatever, I have young daughters, this tragedy leaves behind a grieving family and a drop for the time being in visitors from Japan. I'm sure though, it won't stop the Jap geezers flocking to Thermae coffee shop!!!

Edited November 26, 2007 by Leeski

[steffi]

Also in a place like Thailand a lot of rapes will go unreported as will a lot of other crimes that are settled "in house"

Hello, In reading all this and other comments about local crime, I did some quick calculations with these results (using 2006 US crime stats). US Nationwide per 100K population; Murder=6, Forcible rape=31, Robberies=150 To raw/total numbers this would be about (for the year) in Thailand National; Murder=3690, Forcible rape=19K, Robberies=92K BKK; Murder=600, Forcible rape=3100, Robberies=15K So, how do these compare with the realities of crimes there? I likewise offer my prayers to the friends & family of this young lady and for those responsable. Comments were made about YaBa. Any excuse/rationalization may be given but to me it comes down to the point that if there is no real hope for the future (either now or in an afterlife) then human life has no value. With no value then who really cares? This encompasses the government concern regarding the embarassment over the action instead of the importance of the loss of a life. Comments are made (on many threads) about everything being about a culture of money. Think about it. What else do they have and therefor why shouldn't they act that way...... Ieyuhrah

[stepenwolf1958]

"This is a priority case because it has damaged the reputation of Sukhothai and the entire country," said Thirrin.

GOOD MORNING Mr.Thirrin...Where you have been all of these YEARS?

The WAY that woman was murdered is SHOCKING...Not stubbed...SLOUGHTERED!

Well,i am so interested to know WHEN they will find murderer...Really...

[Scott]

My deepest sympathies to the friends and family.

Incidently, does anyone know anything about her? Was she traveling alone or was she in the country with friends?

[stepenwolf1958]

My deepest sympathies to the friends and family.

Incidently, does anyone know anything about her? Was she traveling alone or was she in the country with friends?

AS FAR AS I KNOW-you will NEVER find details as you said...Should to be NORMAL to publish that kind of details but they NEVER do it...NEVER...

[stepenwolf1958]

Unfortunately the big yaba crackdown of a few years ago seems to have had little lasting effect inspite of numerous deaths and 'executions'.The lure of 'big' money seems to be all that drives most Thais.Many would go to any lengths and indeed risks to get this.I don't see this situation changing in a hurry.

My girlfriend says several of her friends have been attacked and even raped.She herself had her hand bag snatched by a passing motorcycle duo last year.She has no confidence in the police protecting her or arresting the culprits.Thai women are not safe from attack.Japanese women are very much in the same situation when out solo.

She has no confidence in the police protecting her or arresting the culprits.UNFORUNETELY-this is true...

Thai women are not safe from attack.LAST case of raped and murdered in the field,young girl(M-3,if i remember)by the GROUP of teenagers...

Japanese women are very much in the same situation when out solo.DID yoy tried to go somewhere SOLO,as you are the man?I doubt and i understand you why you didn't...even parts of BKK,during the day...

[Nordlys]

Representatives of the Japanese Embassy in Thailand identified the victim as Nomoko Yamachita. *apparent misspelling in regards to other reports*

Japanese medias reported the victim has been identified by the Japanese embassy as Tomoko Kawashita (川下智子) from Osaka. Apparently she enjoyed her trip in Thailand very much she wrote of Thailand in her blog as "very nice place". Her family has left Japan this evening to identify and claim her body.

[stepenwolf1958]

Also in a place like Thailand a lot of rapes will go unreported as will a lot of other crimes that are settled "in house"

Indeed...I was shocked to see situation in one school...a father having sesx with 12 years old daughter...Mother knew about it and didn't react.School took the"case"but they"couldn't help"...Reason-girl says she like it,she feel fine...She says so to the school social worker(i guess)and after that nothing happened...Teacher,my friend,from that school says to me they couldn't help more about it.I asked why they didn't report to the Police and the answer was:"It is small village".I couldn't get the point...Long time after that,man was prosecuted and found hanged in his cell...Not so many details...

[kat]

First, I want to say that this is a horrible tragedy, and my condolences go out to her family and loved ones. I sincerely grieve and hate to hear about these kinds of crimes against women.

Ive posted several times how Japanese women are targets in this country. My own girlfriend has been vicimised many times and her friends have been raped and or robbed. One left for dead on the side of the road, guess she should be thankful her throat wasn't slashed and she could recover after a 2 month hospital stay.

Damian

Yes, you do Damian, and I'm usually right there with you, because the way I see the issue, it is much too simplistic to say "Asian and Japanese women over here, and Western white women over there" when it comes to crime. If there is this much crime against Asian or Western women on a continual basis, then it is crime against WOMEN, full stop. I find it disturbing that many people on this board seek to minimize the scope of this issue, simply because they are concerned about "image" and how this will reflect on the culture where they have chosen to build their lives. And, when you have the combination of cultural mores and norms, lax security and regulatory enforcements, and a judicial system based on status and nepotism, then yes, we are indeed talking about CULTURE.

its not a good thing a tourist got murdered. but japanese tourist are targeted for crime a lot in hawaii, every so often one gets killed, always a gurl.

what puzzles me is how is thailands reputation is tarnished. does it have a pristine reputation now in the worlds eyes.

We are not talking about every so often which can and does happen everywhere, we are talking about an endemic situation and pattern which never seems to improve, with the full outcomes usually suppressed with predictable results.

Unfortunately the big yaba crackdown of a few years ago seems to have had little lasting effect inspite of numerous deaths and 'executions'.The lure of 'big' money seems to be all that drives most Thais.Many would go to any lengths and indeed risks to get this.I don't see this situation changing in a hurry.

My girlfriend says several of her friends have been attacked and even raped.She herself had her hand bag snatched by a passing motorcycle duo last year.She has no confidence in the police protecting her or arresting the culprits.Thai women are not safe from attack.Japanese women are very much in the same situation when out solo.

Exactly. There are many Foreign women of all nationalities that have problems on a regular basis, but very few in comparison make the headlines. Assaults against Asian and Thai women are much, much, more frequent, and grossly underreported compared to what we do hear about. It is incredibly irresponsible to perpetrate the stereotype that Thailand is peaceful and safe for women, knowing full well that it is incredibly DANGEROUS for Asian women, and under the wrong, subtle circumstances, dangerous for Western white women. Let me give you a clue: if there is this much violence against Asian women, that is violence against WOMEN, and it is only a combination of time, circumstance, and place that the false security of many Western women on this board could be shattered - which I hope never happens. But, I prefer to deal with reality rather than the ego of others when it comes to the very real issue of women's safety in Thailand, whether they be Asian or not.

[bangkokdenied]

In the usa this is daily routine story.

[stepenwolf1958]

Initial investigations indicate that attackers tried to rob Kawashita and then reacted violently when she apparently resisted, Amornsak said.

"They slashed her throat and stabbed her with a sharp object," he said. Police found 3,000 baht (US$95; €65) on her body but her wallet and passport were missing.

OOOPSSSSS.... ...What that suppose to mean???

1***They(he/she)didn't know how much is 3 000 Bht here?

2***They was in speed?No time to take the money but they had time to take a passport?

3***This 3 000 Bht mean murderer(s)are foreigners so they didn't care for such a small money or didn't know about Thai money?

Is this some kind of clue?This is really so strange..." tried to rob "IF that was motive-why they left the money???

More and more,as a atyle in reports about murdered foreigners here,all become as some kind of s/f stories?Conclussion that was about try to rob the tourist is may be so fast???Really confusing me now!???!

[mrdome]

Unfortunately, a lone female in an isolated area is an invitation to a robbery or worse. Coming from a relatively safe country, she might have felt a false sense of security in Thailand and the weird thing is you do feel kind of safe at these heritage sites, much more so than in a city environment even though there is no rational reasoning for it.

If you are ever mugged, don't resist. And if attacker and victim don't speak the same language things get even more unpredictable.

Condolences to her family and friends.

[stepenwolf1958]

In the usa this is daily routine story.

Brazil also...So...What's your message between the lines?We should not be concerned about this,newbie?By the way-where are you from?In situations as this-always but ALWAYS some newbie here trying to put all down...

[disgruntled]

I hope they arrest the right person. Thailand seems to come up with the guy who did it too quickly. Justice is something often denied here. When a big business partner wants justice Thailand probably would create a perpetrator in my view. Sorry I'm so cynical.

[stepenwolf1958]

to minimize the scope of this issue, simply because they are concerned about "image" and how this will reflect on the culture where they have chosen to build their lives

Exactly...As i said,ALWAYS someone,some "newbie"appeared here in simmilar situations and try to minimize all but i would make a point on THIS your words : and how this will reflect on the culture"-you said so and i would go further in thinking - maybe Thais do it here?I hope i don't sound that i have paranoid thoughts but that is really interesting-there is always some"newbie"here in that role...

[kat]

In the usa this is daily routine story.

Actually, it's not a daily routine story in the states. Whenever there is serious violence against tourists like this one, it is major news. There is a lot of family violence and other sorts of violence against citizens, but then again, we are not concerned with throw-away, meaningless comments, are we, bangkokdenied? Because if we were, we could easily compare different types of violence and frequencies in a systemic fashion to show that it really isn't all the same. We also have the issue uneven and incomparable crime reports, more accurate statistics (or in the case of Thailand, statistics, period), and honest reporting.

So, your comment is as meaningless and useless as your thinking.

[stepenwolf1958]

The killer probably thought its a Thai woman. What I would really hate in this case would be if the police just gets some random guy again to show that they work efficient. The innocent guy gets executed and that's about it.

Unfortunately-already happened so could be this time ,also...About 35 mil males here...so one more-less,who care...So sad...