Japanese family asks Thai authorities to raise reward for murder of daughter in 2007

PHOTO: SBS News

Eleven years have passed since the murder of a Japanese woman in Sukhothai province (central Thailand) in 2007 and, with no developments, an existing cash reward for any information leading to an arrest is expected to be raised from 1.6 million to 2 million baht.

In 2007, 27 year old Tomoko Kawashita arrived in Thailand alone and headed to Sukhothai for the Loy Krathong festival on November 24. Her body was found the next day in Sukhothai Historical Park stabbed to death, laying next to her rented bicycle.

Eleven years after, the family is again voicing their ever-growing concern over the lack of progress. They are now calling for authorities to raise the cash reward to 2 million baht, the previous 1.6 million baht had been funded by local police (100,00 baht), Royal Thai Police Office (500,000 baht), and one million baht from the Department of Special Investigation.

The deputy PM told reporters that the team handling the case will now meet to discuss raising the DSI’s contribution by 400,00 baht and has assured the family and media that authorities are working consistently to follow up the case.

The father of the victim has appealed to Thai authorities to deliver justice as little progress had been made over the last eleven years. He voiced his concerns, saying he is worried the 20 year statute of limitations would expire before justice can be served.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post