Chinese man suspected in death of Lao girlfriend in Chon Buri

An overstaying Chinese man told police that his Lao girlfriend chased him from her condominium in Chon Buri and had nothing to do with her death. She was later found dead in the bathroom with a severe cut to her throat. The cause of her death remains unclear.

A 25 year old woman, Nong, reported the death of her 28 year old Laotian friend, Prai “Namfon” Manee, at Nongprue Police Station yesterday, August 8. Her body was found in the bathroom of her room at a condo in Soi Ban Noen Rot Fai 1.

Nong told police that Namfon’s older sister had called her at about 2pm that day, asking her to check on Namfon because she was unable to contact her. Upon arriving at the condo, Nong found Namfon’s Chinese boyfriend, 42 year old Chang Zi, outside the room.

According to Nong, the room was locked, and the Chinese man did not have a key to Namfon’s room. They decided to call a locksmith, who helped them gain entry.

Nong stated that Chang entered the room before her but immediately ran out in fear, informing her that Namfon was dead. Nong said Chang excused himself and left the scene, stating that he had overstayed his visa and did not want to encounter the police.

According to the police report, Namfon was found lying face-up in a pool of blood in the bathroom. She was dressed in red shorts and a black T-shirt. She had a deep cut to her neck and was holding a kitchen knife in her right hand. Another knife was found in the sink.

Suspicious footprints

There were large bloody footprints, which appeared to belong to another person, in front of the bathroom. A cat was also found in the room.

Nonetheless, officers summoned Chang for questioning. Chang revealed to the police that he and Namfon had been in a relationship for about three years. Before Namfon’s death, Chang claimed that Namfon had arrived at the room at 7pm on August 7 and seemed drunk.

Namfon allegedly shouted that a ghost was following her and wanted to kill her. She then chased Chang out of the room and locked it. Chang said he attempted to gain entry again but received no response, so he spent the night at a friend’s place instead.

Namfon’s death remains under investigation. The police have yet to determine whether Namfon committed suicide or was murdered.

The Chinese man will be questioned further but has been initially charged with overstaying his visa by over four years.