Singaporean Man Wanted in Death of Thai Girlfriend in Bangkok
Police are searching for a 32-year-old Singaporean man, identified as Daniel, after his Thai girlfriend, Praopilat Paladon, 30, was found dead in a Bangkok condominium. Authorities suspect he may have fled to Chiang Rai or crossed into Myanmar.
The investigation began when two of Praopilat’s friends reported her missing at Thong Lor Police Station on Wednesday after losing contact with her since Monday evening. Concerned, they visited her 22nd-floor unit at the Marque condominium on Sukhumvit Soi 39 and found the door unlocked with the air conditioning still on.
Inside, they discovered Praopilat’s lifeless body in the bathroom, partially wrapped in a blanket and blood-stained bedsheet. Her head was covered with a blood-soaked bathrobe.
History of Abuse and a Troubled Relationship
Friends informed police that Praopilat and Daniel had been living together for two months in a luxury unit renting for 170,000 baht per month. She had often complained about domestic violence.
Immigration records revealed that Daniel had visited Thailand 31 times, typically staying for 10-15 days per trip. However, his latest visit had lasted over a year, despite his visa expiring on May 28, 2023.
CCTV Footage and Timeline of Events
- Sunday, 6:42 PM – The couple was last seen together in the condominium’s elevator, leaving the building.
- Sunday, 9:17 PM – Daniel returned to the condo with Praopilat. She was not seen leaving the room afterward.
- Monday, 12:12 AM – CCTV captured Daniel returning to the building alone.
- Monday, 10:29 AM – A call was made from Praopilat’s phone to her mother, but it was not answered. When her mother called back at 10:35 AM, no one picked up.
- Tuesday, 3:15 PM – Daniel was seen leaving the condo with luggage and got into a black Mercedes-Benz ordered via a ride-hailing app.
- Tuesday Evening – He was tracked to a restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 41, then a hotel on Phetchaburi Road, before leaving in an Isuzu pickup bound for Mae Sai, Chiang Rai—a border town near Myanmar.
Ongoing Investigation and Mother’s Testimony
Praopilat’s mother, Ms. Pla, stated she had previously seen the couple argue but never suspected extreme violence. However, her daughter had sent photos of bruises, blaming Daniel for the injuries. Praopilat even warned her mother that if she ever went missing, Daniel would be responsible.
Thai police have alerted Chiang Rai authorities and Myanmar officials in Tachilek to assist in tracking the suspect. The case is now under intense investigation as authorities attempt to locate and apprehend Daniel.
