DNA results expected in missing Chinese TikTok star case

DNA test results on human remains believed to belong to a missing Chinese TikTok star are anticipated tomorrow, according to the Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM) at Police General Hospital.

Identification of the body has been challenging due to significant decomposition and difficulties in obtaining DNA samples, noted IFM commander Supichai Limsiwawong. Chinese national 38 year old Yan Ruimin was reported missing in Thailand on July 1.

Her remains were found in a deserted area in Chachoengsao’s Mueang district last Saturday, July 13. Supichai explained that DNA samples had to be taken from the bones due to the advanced state of decomposition.

Medical X-rays and plastic surgery records are expected to aid in the identification process. Supichai added that the IFM might seek more information from the police handling the missing person’s case.

The forensic examination revealed no severe head injuries, as there were no skull fractures, ruptured brain tissues, or brain bleeding detected.

Chief of Bang Rak Police Station in Bangkok, Thammasak Sarabun mentioned that the investigation team is awaiting DNA test results from the IFM. These results will be compared to DNA samples provided by Yan’s father.

If the DNA from the remains matches that of Yan’s father, police will then seek an arrest warrant for Ma Qingyan, the prime suspect believed to have kidnapped and possibly killed Yan before dumping her body in Chachoengsao.

Yan’s father informed investigators that he was unfamiliar with the suspect and had no knowledge of his daughter’s purpose for visiting Thailand before her disappearance.

Further information about Yan’s activities in Thailand before her disappearance is expected from her elder sister, who is scheduled to meet with investigators tomorrow.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) ruled out the possibility of Yan being kidnapped for ransom by a transnational crime syndicate, suggesting that her disappearance was likely a personal matter, reported Bangkok Post.

ORIGINAL STORY: Thai police find body in 5 million baht ransom case of TikTok star

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) provided an update on the case of a Chinese student and TikTok star who went missing after a ransom demand of 1 million yuan (approximately 5 million baht). Yesterday, July 14, at 10.30am, investigators discovered a body believed to be Yan’s in a grassy area in Chachoengsao province.

Police and relevant agencies tracked the 38 year old’s phone signal to Chachoengsao and reviewed CCTV footage from July 1 to July 3. The footage revealed that Qingyan Ma, an alleged friend of Yan, had rented a car and taken her to the location. Yan’s burned suitcase was later found in the area. Ma left his apartment in the Srinakarin area of Bangkok and flew to Hong Kong that same afternoon.

From July 4 to July 6, Yan’s WeChat Pay account was used in Macau. Investigators suspect Ma is linked to Yan’s disappearance.

Yan’s body was discovered buried 20 centimetres deep under waste tiles in Mueang Chachoengsao, approximately 1 kilometre from where her suitcase was found. An initial autopsy indicated that the body had been buried for over ten days and was severely decomposed due to stagnant water in the soil.

Bloodstains were located in Ma’s Bangkok apartment and rental car. DNA tests are underway to compare the blood to the father of the TikTok star.

Yan’s family, unaware of her relationship with Ma, were informed by her brother-in-law, who had received the ransom call.

Ma, the suspect, has since travelled to Macau. Once Yan’s identity is confirmed, relevant agencies will seek an international warrant for Ma’s arrest and coordinate with international agencies to bring him to justice. However, Thai police have not publicly revealed the motive behind Yan’s murder as of the latest update, reported Pattaya News.