Police are on the hunt for a man suspected of murdering his boss — a local real estate notable — at a hotel room in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao area.
Thitima “Cherry” Tangwibunphanit, 39, was found dead yesterday afternoon, lying face-down on a bed at an unnamed hotel on Praditmanutham Soi 19.
She had a severe wound on her right temple, and police found a baseball bat covered in blood at the scene, according to Khaosod.
All the victim’s belongings remained intact, with the exception of her missing Mercedes E220, which had been parked out front.
Thitima owned three gas stations and had assets valued about a THB100 million (US$3 million). She was the CEO of a property company and a cousin of famous Thai actor Artit Tangwiboonpanit.
CCTV footage from last Thursday reveals Thitima entering the hotel room with her trusted aide and financial manager Assaya Chaipha, 33, who was seen leaving the room again the next day alone. Evidence revealed the two had been staying in the guest room together for about a month.
An initial investigation has also revealed Assaya to be a heavy gambler, Khaosod reported.
An arrest warrant for Assaya on suspicion of murder has been issued. However, authorities suspect that he has already fled the country.
Meanwhile, the victim’s families express their outpouring of grief for a businesswoman whose star was still on the rise.
“My little sister who means everything to our family is gone forever,” Thitima’s brother, Pathomphat Tangwibunphanit, wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post.
“Hope my little princess rests happily in heaven.”
