Tragedy near Khao Yai: ‘Shot’ in the dark leads to murder probe
A Thai woman was found dead with a gunshot wound to her head near Khao Yai, sparking a police investigation into potential murder. The incident occurred yesterday, August 4, with local authorities receiving a report about the body discovered in a wooded area off Thanarat Road.
Police identified the victim as 34 year old Netnapa Kransut, from Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima. She was found wearing black sweatpants and a white short-sleeved shirt, with a pair of sandals lying nearby. Her body was discovered lying face-up approximately 70 metres from the road.
Initial investigations revealed that Netnapa had been shot in the right temple, with the bullet exiting through the left side of her head. Police estimate that she had been dead for over eight hours before being found.
A .38 calibre homemade pistol was discovered beneath a bamboo log, along with a spent shell casing and an unused bullet near her body. A brown Louis Vuitton suitcase with wheels was also found at the scene.
A closer examination of the suitcase revealed various personal items, including a copy of Netnapa’s ID card and a document from the Agricultural Land Reform Office, though it was registered in someone else’s name. Her educational background indicated she had completed her secondary education up to the third year at a school in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Residents reported seeing a woman matching Netnapa’s description walking near the area earlier in the morning. They also noticed a sedan parked nearby, although it remains unclear whether the car was connected to Netnapa. Police are currently collecting evidence and have sent her body to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for a detailed autopsy.
Cause of death
Veerapol Rabeabpho, Superintendent of Pak Chong Police Station, stated that the cause of death is still undetermined and that further evidence and witness testimonies are needed. He emphasised that Netnapa was not a resident, adding complexity to the investigation.
CCTV footage reviewed by police shows Netnapa dragging her suitcase away from a resort located about 800 metres from the crime scene. She had been staying at the resort alone since August 1.
Police found searches related to purchasing firearms on her mobile phone, leaving open the possibility of either murder or suicide. However, they have not ruled out any other potential motives or circumstances surrounding her death.
Netnapa’s brother has contacted the police, expressing confusion over why she was in the area, as she usually resided in Bangkok. Family members are expected to arrive later today to identify the body and provide additional information that may aid in the investigation.
