Transgender woman brutally murdered in Kanchanaburi: Robbery suspected

A brutal murder has shocked the local community in Kanchanaburi province, where a 38-year-old transgender woman was found dead in her bedroom, shot through the head. Her missing assets suggest a robbery, with the victim’s father pleading for assistance to find the ruthless murderer, who is believed to be an acquaintance.

Police captain Mana Samranwong, along with investigation officers from Kanchanaburi province and Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Station, arrived at a residence in Nong Bua, Mueang district, Kanchanaburi province. They were there to investigate the murder of Phanuchaya (surname withheld for privacy), a 38 year old employee at a local department store and a transgender woman.

Phanuchaya was found face-down on her bed, a pillow covering the back of her head which bore the evidence of a bullet fired through it. The victim was lying in a pool of blood, having been dead for at least 14 hours, according to the medical examiner. A .38 calibre shell casing was found beside the bed, indicating the likely weapon used in the killing.

Upon inspection, several personal items were missing from Phanuchaya’s residence. These included a gold ring, two mobile phones, and 5,000 baht in coins. Additionally, her motorcycle and house keys disappeared. The perpetrator had locked the house from the inside and used a master key to secure the front gate from the outside before fleeing the scene.

Phanuchaya’s 60 year old father, Prachum (surname withheld), stated that he had bought the house for his son to live alone while he and his wife resided in Chai Nat province. They communicated regularly via phone calls and group chats on LINE.

However, he began to suspect something was amiss when his son stopped reading chats and answering calls on the evening of December 2. A concerned neighbour reported that despite the front gate being locked, Phanuchaya’s motorcycle was parked inside the house, yet there was no response to shouts.

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod.It was only yesterday, December 3, that Prachum called his other son, a soldier, to check on Phanuchaya. Upon arrival, Phanuchaya’s brother used his keys to enter the house and discovered his sibling’s lifeless body in the bedroom.

Prachum said that his son never mentioned having any issues with anyone and was a harmless, friendly individual. He pleaded with the police to hunt down the brutal murderer and ensure justice is served.

Police suspect that the killer knew Phanuchaya well, as there were no signs of forced entry. The selection of stolen items was also peculiar, as dozens of amulets and a pricey motorcycle were left untouched despite the keys being available.

The motive for the murder remains unclear, with possibilities ranging from robbery, romantic entanglement, or personal conflict. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from nearby locations and interviewing Phanuchaya’s colleagues and close friends.