Bangkok Police Hunt Chinese National After Model’s Death
Bangkok, Thailand—A 22-year-old Thai model, identified only as «Airada,» died under suspicious circumstances in a Bangkok hotel last week, sparking a major police investigation and a manhunt for a Chinese national. The incident, in the Bang Kapi district, has raised concerns about a local modeling agency and potential attempts to cover up the death.
Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom has prioritized the investigation, instructing his deputy, Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, to expedite the probe. The key suspect is a Chinese national, known only as «Duoying,» who hired Airada through a modeling agency for a job on the evening of February 9th. Preliminary investigations suggest the agency pressures its models to use drugs.
Hotel CCTV footage shows Duoying checking into the hotel at 11:16 PM, with Airada entering his room at 2:52 AM. Crucially, Duoying is seen leaving the room alone at 6:16 AM. No one else entered or exited during that time. Hotel staff discovered Airada’s body hours later, alerting the Chokchai police. While there were no visible signs of injury or struggle, the circumstances remain highly suspicious.
Further complicating the case are allegations of bribery and interference. Airada’s sister reported being contacted multiple times by someone claiming to represent the modeling agency, offering increasing sums of money—first 100,000 baht, then 200,000 baht—to cover funeral expenses and silence the family. These offers were refused. The pressure continued, with a man claiming to be a police officer offering 500,000 baht. The family’s concerns, fueled by a suspected connection between the agency and a police officer, led them to go public with the case.
Pol Lt Gen Sayam has vowed to bring justice to Airada’s family and to swiftly punish any officer found complicit in covering up the crime or assisting the suspect. Authorities have interviewed witnesses, conducted forensic analysis, and plan to summon the modeling agency owner for questioning. A warrant has been issued for Duoying’s arrest on charges of reckless endangerment causing death, and immigration authorities have been alerted to prevent his escape.
This tragedy highlights potential dangers within the entertainment industry. Airada’s friends and family insist she had no history of drug use or prior modeling work, making her death particularly heartbreaking. The investigation focuses on apprehending Duoying and ensuring a thorough, impartial inquiry despite alleged attempts to obstruct justice. The outcome will determine not only Duoying’s fate but also address concerns about the integrity of the investigation and the safety of young women in Thailand’s modeling industry.
