A perpetrator brutally murdered a prominent LGBTQ man in a forest beside a well-known factory in Tak province. The victim's gold jewelry—including necklace, ring—and mobile phone were missing. Close associates revealed that before leaving home, he received a call from a mysterious number. One suspect has already been arrested.
At approximately 16:00 on 20 January 2026, police from Mae Sot Police Station received a report from the radio center about a body found in a grassy forest area under a large tree near Phathong Village, Ban Mae Tao, close to the road leading to a prominent factory in Mae Sot District, Tak Province.
Police officers along with forensic investigators arrived at the scene and found the deceased identified as 25-year-old Ko Tin So Hawe. The victim was a well-known figure within the LGBTQ community. His body was found face down wearing a yellow T-shirt underneath a jacket, and black sweatpants. The underwear and sweatpants were pulled down around the buttocks. Dried blood was visible on his head and face. Nearby, a blood-stained wooden stick, suspected as the murder weapon, was found. Close to the body were an alcohol bottle, the victim's shoulder bag, cosmetics, bank book, condoms, and personal items scattered around.
A source close to the victim reported that he disappeared around midnight on 18 January 2026 and never returned to his residence. A housemate added that before he vanished, the victim made a social media call seeking help, as if preparing in advance. There had been an online arrangement followed by a call, but instead of meeting at his room, he chose a large vacant lot and sat alone in an area surrounded by bushes.
Regarding the victim's belongings, a gold necklace, gold ring, gold bracelet, and an iPhone 17 were found missing. Currently, Police Lieutenant Colonel Boonlert Tipsribut, the investigating officer, is questioning close associates to track down the perpetrator to bring them to justice.
Later, Police Colonel Rang Dawdueng, Superintendent of Mae Sot Police Station, stated that one suspect has been apprehended. Investigation is ongoing, and any developments will be followed by legal proceedings.