Phuket City Police Hunt Expat Murder Suspect

[moskito]

Police have released a facial composite of the man in hopes that the public can provide clues as to his whereabouts. Possible sightings and anonymous tips can by phoned in by calling 191, he said.

so where is the picture? , TV would be the best exposure they would have, esp if he is an expat in Phuket....

also the best thing,they should be to make identicall composition picture whiteout beards , because i suppose that is the first thing he would remove to change chance for easy identification

IF it was not a faked beard in the first place! How many farangs you see in Thailand with fullbeard? Excuse me but the girls hate beards anyway as far as I know. IF the beard is real they should catch him soon. Isnt the place where they found the poor girl not on the way to boat lagoon? maybe a sailor, they have often beards......

may she Rest in peace....and this low life rest in jail for the rest of his days

[Johnny99]

It all sounds pretty weird. An expat with a house in Phuket Town is wanted for murder with a 50000 Baht reward on his head and no one knows anything? With all of the nosy people in Thailand and the fact that not many Foreigners wear full beards I'm surprised there's not a run on the local police station with information on any bearded suspect at all. Even if there was only one 35 year old Western guy in Phuket with a full beard he would surely come under suspicion not matter how reclusive he tried to be. Makes me wonder - if he is the murderer, could it have been a premeditated act by a guy wearing a fake beard? Or have I been watching too many re-runs of Columbo? Anyway, if a bearded guy did suddenly shave off his beard, I doubt if any of the workers in the local 7/11 or noodle shop would notice, they'd probably think it was just a different Farang. Oh well...I hope the police can solve this case. My guess is that she met the wrong person on her way home after she left the Farang.

[hobanse]

<BR>he will already be shaved when this pic comes out... guess another pic without beard could help<BR>

<BR><BR><BR>But beard is in Passport

[DaraRai]

What a horrible, horrible death...to be stuffed into a suitcase? That animal needs to be caught -- and soon!

[TBWG]

What a horrible, horrible death...to be stuffed into a suitcase? That animal needs to be caught -- and soon!

He possibly reads Thai visa ~~~ if it is a farang could even be a member!

TBWG

PS I've been in UK for last month!!!!

Edited July 2, 2010 by TBWG

[eggomaniac]

It all sounds pretty weird. An expat with a house in Phuket Town is wanted for murder with a 50000 Baht reward on his head and no one knows anything? With all of the nosy people in Thailand and the fact that not many Foreigners wear full beards I'm surprised there's not a run on the local police station with information on any bearded suspect at all. Even if there was only one 35 year old Western guy in Phuket with a full beard he would surely come under suspicion not matter how reclusive he tried to be. Makes me wonder - if he is the murderer, could it have been a premeditated act by a guy wearing a fake beard? Or have I been watching too many re-runs of Columbo? Anyway, if a bearded guy did suddenly shave off his beard, I doubt if any of the workers in the local 7/11 or noodle shop would notice, they'd probably think it was just a different Farang. Oh well...I hope the police can solve this case. My guess is that she met the wrong person on her way home after she left the Farang.

met somebody who was also carrying around a large suitcase? The body was obviously transported from the perps place of residence.

It has to be someone who has or rented a car, or who lived within walking distance.

Hopefully there will be enough evidence with fingerprints and DNA to draw a line to the killer.

[wolf5370]

Of course there doesn't seem to be much evidence it was this bearded guy other than he stepped out with her before she was discovered. Could have been him, could have been a jealous lover (on either side)., could have been the man in the moon The police want to speak to the guy for questioning (one would hope), but little to go on. Oh, and before anyone shouts "why hasn't he come forward", I live here (CM) and this is the first I knew about the case - not everyone tracks the news. So, before the hang him high mob move in (again), lets remember that there is nothing to go on here - no evidence that has been published (as far as I have seen) outside of some shaky description from some 'colleagues' well after the event ('colleagues' I might add that see quite a few guys, including farangs, in the course of a day). This guy, assuming he existed in the first place (and not just a cover for someone else), could have left the country by now - quite legitimately, and know nothing about all this.

Edited July 2, 2010 by wolf5370

[MaiThaiMai]

UPDATE

Phuket police offer 50,000 baht to catch killer

WANTED: The suspect is described as roughly 35 years old, between 175 and 180cm (5'9" to 5'11") tall, with an average build, brown beard and a mustache.

VICTIM: The body of Petchabun native Wanphen Pienjai was found stuffed into a suitcase in Phuket last week.

PHUKET CITY: -- Phuket Provincial Police are offering a reward of 50,000 baht for information leading to the arrest of the killer of 33-year-old bar hostess Wanphen Pienjai, whose naked body was discovered stuffed into a suitcase in Phuket last week.

The offer follows the release of a sketch of the prime suspect in the investigation, a bearded Caucasian man who was seen with Ms Wanphen before she died.

The suspect is described as roughly 35 years old, between 175 and 180cm (5'9" to 5'11") tall, with an average build, brown beard and mustache.

Staff at the Sweetheart Bar on Kata Road where Ms Wanphen worked said that on the morning of June 18 the man came to the bar looking to hire a ladyboy prostitute.

After being told there were none for hire, he paid a bar fine and left with Ms Wanphen on his motorbike.

It was the last time she was seen alive.

Her body was discovered on the morning of June 24 at a remote location on Chao Fah Thani Road, about 1.5 kilometers from the junction with Chao Fah West Road.

Police say they are confident the suspect remains on Phuket. Hostesses at the Sweetheart Bar said the man spoke Thai, indicating that he may be a long-term expat.

The case has shocked the island and terrified Phuket's bargirls, particularly those working at bars on Kata Road. Many are now fearful of leaving their places of work with unfamiliar customers.

Anyone with information regarding the case should call the Phuket Provincial Police on 076-212046.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-07-02

50,000? I know it's pretty much impossible to put a "worth" on a person's life but 50,000 (approx $1,600 USD) is an insult AFAIAC, now 500,000 (approx $16,000 USD) is at least respectable to Wanphen and loved ones and most likely lead to more tips to police.

My SINCERE condolences to Wanphen family and friends, this was a horrible and needless crime, I hope they catch the M-F'nSOB ASAP...my guess is though he'll be nowhere in Southwest Thailand much less Phuket...

MaiThaiMai

:jap: :jap:

[Valentine]

Police have released a facial composite of the man in hopes that the public can provide clues as to his whereabouts. Possible sightings and anonymous tips can by phoned in by calling 191, he said.

so where is the picture? , TV would be the best exposure they would have, esp if he is an expat in Phuket....

also the best thing,they should be to make identicall composition picture whiteout beards , because i suppose that is the first thing he would remove to change chance for easy identification

IF it was not a faked beard in the first place! How many farangs you see in Thailand with fullbeard? Excuse me but the girls hate beards anyway as far as I know. IF the beard is real they should catch him soon. Isnt the place where they found the poor girl not on the way to boat lagoon? maybe a sailor, they have often beards......

may she Rest in peace....and this low life rest in jail for the rest of his days

She was found off the shortcut road running from the Honda dealership on Chao Fa west through to Kathu. The road comes up behind PSU & then goes out to Wichitsongkram Rd.

[webfact]

UPDATE

New sketch of suspect in Phuket murder of Wanphen Pienjai

The latest sketch of the prime suspect in the Wanphen Pienjai murder case shows what he may look like without a full beard.

A previous sketch shows the suspect as he appeared the morning he was seen leaving the Sweetheart Bar in Kata with Ms Wanphen.

PHUKET: -- Police have released a sketch of what the prime suspect in the Wanphen Pienjai murder case may look like without a full beard.

Ms Pienjai’s naked body was found stuffed in a suitcase in Phuket on June 24.

She was last seen leaving her workplace at the Sweetheart Bar in Kata with a Caucasian man described roughly as being 35 years old, 175 to 180cm (5’9” to 5’11”) tall with an average build, and having a brown beard and mustache.

A previous sketch showed the suspect as he may have appeared on the morning he was seen leaving the Sweetheart bar with Ms Wanphen on his motorbike.

Phuket City Police are offering a 50,000 baht reward for information leading to the arrest of the killer.

Anyone with information regarding the case should call the Phuket City Police at 076-212115. Or, if you speak English and need a translation to Thai for reporting purposes, call the Phuket Gazette at 076-273555 and ask for Khun Nee, Khun Jane or Khun Joy.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-07-03

[TAWP]

Never saw police offered a reward when a thai killer on the loose killed a farang. Guess its more important for them to solve this when its the other way around.

Hope he gets caught though

I was thinking the same thing! Actually I've never seen it for anyone killing anyone in Thailand before. What makes this case special? Usually "wealthy" Thais arrested for murder seem to be released on bail and disappear... Oh yeah, I almost forgot: Thailand is for Thais, not farang.

Don't let your ignorance paint the world and then go on on a tangent and rant about it.

Rewards are posted when tips are needed from people - sometimes offered by the police, sometimes offered by the victims family.

50,000? I know it's pretty much impossible to put a "worth" on a person's life but 50,000 (approx $1,600 USD) is an insult AFAIAC, now 500,000 (approx $16,000 USD) is at least respectable to Wanphen and loved ones and most likely lead to more tips to police.

The money isn't for her life, it is for clues as to who the killer is...

Edited July 3, 2010 by TAWP

[goldmonky]

It all sounds pretty weird. An expat with a house in Phuket Town is wanted for murder with a 50000 Baht reward on his head and no one knows anything? With all of the nosy people in Thailand and the fact that not many Foreigners wear full beards I'm surprised there's not a run on the local police station with information on any bearded suspect at all. Even if there was only one 35 year old Western guy in Phuket with a full beard he would surely come under suspicion not matter how reclusive he tried to be. Makes me wonder - if he is the murderer, could it have been a premeditated act by a guy wearing a fake beard? Or have I been watching too many re-runs of Columbo? Anyway, if a bearded guy did suddenly shave off his beard, I doubt if any of the workers in the local 7/11 or noodle shop would notice, they'd probably think it was just a different Farang. Oh well...I hope the police can solve this case. My guess is that she met the wrong person on her way home after she left the Farang.

met somebody who was also carrying around a large suitcase? The body was obviously transported from the perps place of residence.

It has to be someone who has or rented a car, or who lived within walking distance.

Hopefully there will be enough evidence with fingerprints and DNA to draw a line to the killer.

lokks more like someone from iran or pakistan or maybe malaya

[DickFarang]

On another news website I read the suspect ordered a breakfast without bacon/pork.

Is this not a possible indication of religion/ethnicity ?

[TAWP]

On another news website I read the suspect ordered a breakfast without bacon/pork.

Is this not a possible indication of religion/ethnicity ?

Or cholesterol level.

[Jimi007]

Never saw police offered a reward when a thai killer on the loose killed a farang. Guess its more important for them to solve this when its the other way around.

Hope he gets caught though

I was thinking the same thing! Actually I've never seen it for anyone killing anyone in Thailand before. What makes this case special? Usually "wealthy" Thais arrested for murder seem to be released on bail and disappear... Oh yeah, I almost forgot: Thailand is for Thais, not farang.

Don't let your ignorance paint the world and then go on on a tangent and rant about it.

Rewards are posted when tips are needed from people - sometimes offered by the police, sometimes offered by the victims family.

50,000? I know it's pretty much impossible to put a "worth" on a person's life but 50,000 (approx $1,600 USD) is an insult AFAIAC, now 500,000 (approx $16,000 USD) is at least respectable to Wanphen and loved ones and most likely lead to more tips to police.

The money isn't for her life, it is for clues as to who the killer is...

Excuse me all knowing omnipotent one, let me bow before you... I've never read at anytime that the police in Phuket posted any reward for information concerning the death of a farang or Thai in 5 years that I've lived here. But you obviously know way more than I do, as you label me ignorant. Please continue, posting you inflammatory remarks as my opinion isn't of any importance...

[DickFarang]

Or cholesterol level.

That is possible, but the most cholesterol you get from the yolks of eggs.

[lostboy777]

whys everyone making a big deal about this farang.......he probably didn't kill her anyway.....Thai's kill over nothing......most farang don't.

what about the many farangs that are killed in Thailand every year??.....like 'falling off balconies' or 'drowning whilst drunk' ... who gives a f about them?

its a shame she's dead,,,,, but it wouldn't surprize me if this story ain't right.

it could have been her colleagues that had done it over an argument from a game of cards! ...be realistic

[walterego]

ITS YOU!!! WE KNOW IT!!

(this is perhaps relevant to one of us reading this).

[psyclonB]

it could have been her colleagues that had done it over an argument from a game of cards! ...be realistic

lol but yes, there might be something to what youre saying

[troy04]

Phuket City Police hunt expat murder suspect

A facial composite of the suspect, thought to be in his mid-thirties.

PHUKET: -- Phuket City Police are asking the public for help in their search for a Caucasian man who is the prime suspect in the murder of 33-year-old Wanphen Pienjai, the bar hostess whose remains were discovered stuffed into a large suitcase in tambon Wichit last week.

Ms Wanphen, a native of Petchaboon province, was an employee of the Sweetheart Bar on Kata Road, behind the Club Med Resort in Kata.

For the previous report, click here

just red the original article, nasty, ugly, terrible story, very sad! RIP!

The naked body was discovered on the morning of June 24 at a remote location on Chao Fah Thani Road, about 1.5 kilometers from the junction with Chao Fah West Road.

Two employees of the Sweetheart Bar identified the body as that of Ms Wanphen on June 25.

Staff at the Sweetheart Bar said that on the morning of her disappearance Ms Wanphen left with a man described as a bearded Caucasian foreigner who arrived by motorbike.

They were unable to provide a description of the bike, however.

The man had a friendly conversation with the three hostesses present and then asked if the bar had any 'ladyboy' prostitutes available, she said.

When they answered “no" the man paid the overnight bar fine and left on the motorbike with Ms Wanphen, they said.

Case officer Sien Keawthong confirmed that two of the victim’s friends came to identify the body after seeing news about the murder on TV. They described the man she left the bar with as a Caucasian man about 175-180 cm tall, with an average build, brown beard and mustache. They estimated his age at about 35 years.

Speaking of the victim, one of her colleagues said, “She had been working here for about three months. I heard that she used to have her own bar business. She was a nice lady. She didn’t talk much and didn’t go out often. She mostly just stayed at the bar.”

“We were sure it was her. We recognized her from the ring and the scar on her stomach from an operation [tubal ligation] to prevent pregnancy,” one of the women said.

Another employee told the Gazette she wasn’t paying attention as Ms Wanphen spoke to the man, but said she did remember that he spoke Thai.

“Wanphen asked him get a room near the bar, but the man said he has a house in Phuket Town, so I think he must be an expat,” she said.

Phuket City Police Superintendent Wanchai Ekpornpit told the Gazette yesterday police have questioned seven or eight witnesses already, but still don’t know the name of the suspect.

Police have released a facial composite of the man in hopes that the public can provide clues as to his whereabouts. Possible sightings and anonymous tips can by phoned in by calling 191, he said.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-06-30

[kissdani]

On another news website I read the suspect ordered a breakfast without bacon/pork.

Is this not a possible indication of religion/ethnicity ?

The what-is-a-real-ABF religion?

Search the board, i am sure you will find a couple of complaints how the bacon is done not in the right way in Thailand.

From the picture, he looks like the Farang dude in the TV commercial for sunsilk hair shampoo.

[eggomaniac]

It all sounds pretty weird. An expat with a house in Phuket Town is wanted for murder with a 50000 Baht reward on his head and no one knows anything? With all of the nosy people in Thailand and the fact that not many Foreigners wear full beards I'm surprised there's not a run on the local police station with information on any bearded suspect at all. Even if there was only one 35 year old Western guy in Phuket with a full beard he would surely come under suspicion not matter how reclusive he tried to be. Makes me wonder - if he is the murderer, could it have been a premeditated act by a guy wearing a fake beard? Or have I been watching too many re-runs of Columbo? Anyway, if a bearded guy did suddenly shave off his beard, I doubt if any of the workers in the local 7/11 or noodle shop would notice, they'd probably think it was just a different Farang. Oh well...I hope the police can solve this case. My guess is that she met the wrong person on her way home after she left the Farang.

met somebody who was also carrying around a large suitcase? The body was obviously transported from the perps place of residence.

It has to be someone who has or rented a car, or who lived within walking distance.

Hopefully there will be enough evidence with fingerprints and DNA to draw a line to the killer.

lokks more like someone from iran or pakistan or maybe malaya

I wonder if there is an 'Inspected by' sticker that shows where the suitcase was bought? a sales bar code would be great

The location where the suitcase was dumped is an important clue. Is it a 'random' location or the most 'remote' place in the area? < pointing to someone who has local knowledge, or not. [One Poster said it was on the way to where foreign sailors dock?]

They should be showing those pictures to all of the car rental places in the area. One doesn't call a taxi or tuktuk to drop a suitcase off in a ditch.

If he didn't use a car to dump it, they should also be checking within short walking distance. Is it a long walk from the naval docks? 100 pounds makes a suitcase a difficult load to handle.

I'm sure the police would have scraped under the victim's finger nails for DNA.

Oh, as he likely checked out and moved on, he would have had to buy a new suitcase, so luggage sellers in the area should be canvassed.

[Valentine]

I wonder if there is an 'Inspected by' sticker that shows where the suitcase was bought? a sales bar code would be great

The location where the suitcase was dumped is an important clue. Is it a 'random' location or the most 'remote' place in the area? < pointing to someone who has local knowledge, or not. [One Poster said it was on the way to where foreign sailors dock?]

They should be showing those pictures to all of the car rental places in the area. One doesn't call a taxi or tuktuk to drop a suitcase off in a ditch.

If he didn't use a car to dump it, they should also be checking within short walking distance. Is it a long walk from the naval docks? 100 pounds makes a suitcase a difficult load to handle.

I'm sure the police would have scraped under the victim's finger nails for DNA.

Oh, as he likely checked out and moved on, he would have had to buy a new suitcase, so luggage sellers in the area should be canvassed.

The road is nowhere near any port in Phuket, it is a relatively new road which traverses from Chao Fa West at the Honda dealer through to Prince of Songkla University in Kathu. Apart from a concrete plant there are no dwellings or buildings & it is a pretty lonely stretch of road especially at night. In many places there is bush within a few metres of the road. The only people who stop on this road are generally to take a leak, dump some rubbish or feed the stray dogs & occasionally some dirt bike riders venture off road.

[glegolo]

Never saw police offered a reward when a thai killer on the loose killed a farang. Guess its more important for them to solve this when its the other way around.

Hope he gets caught though

Yes, that´s the way it is here in Thailand. I am not surpriced at all.

Glegolo

[webfact]

topic continues:

Wanphen Pienjai Murder: American Expat Arrested In Phuket

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