Myanmar suspect admits strangling Thai woman, blames drug hallucinations

BANGKOK – Relatives and acquaintances of a 20-year-old Thai woman who was allegedly strangled to death by a Myanmar national attempted to attack the suspect as police escorted him from Din Daeng Police Station to court on Monday.

The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Myanmar national Bi, was being transferred to the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road at around 14.00 for a detention hearing.

Police intervened to prevent the group from assaulting him as officers escorted him into a prisoner transport vehicle.

Bi faces charges of intentional murder and consuming a Category 1 narcotic, methamphetamine pills, commonly known as yaba. Investigators opposed his release on bail.

The case stems from the killing of Chutikarn, 20, who was found dead inside her apartment in Bangkok’s Din Daeng district.

Police arrested Bi on 31 October at a PTT petrol station in Bang Pa-in district, Ayutthaya province, as he was allegedly attempting to flee.

According to police, the suspect confessed during initial questioning, claiming he had been under the influence of drugs and was experiencing hallucinations at the time of the killing.

He allegedly told investigators that he had entered the victim’s room to hide while intoxicated. When Chutikarn returned and discovered him inside, an argument and physical struggle broke out.

The suspect allegedly admitted to strangling her with his bare hands.

Meanwhile, the victim’s family has arranged three days of Buddhist funeral prayers at Sala 3 of Wat Phrom Wong Saram, also known as Wat Luang Pho Nen, beginning on Monday.

Her cremation will take place after the three-day funeral rites.