9-2-2025 (BANGKOK) Police have launched a murder investigation after the body of a woman was discovered inside a suitcase weighted down with gym equipment in a pond in Thailand’s eastern Rayong province, authorities announced Friday.
The gruesome discovery was made by a local fisherman who alerted authorities to a suspicious black wheeled suitcase partially submerged in a tree-lined pond off Soi Golf Course in Ban Chang district.
Detective Chief Inspector Jijiramet Junlapipop of Ban Chang Police Station said officers attending the scene found the body of a woman believed to be around 30 years old inside the high-end Swiss-branded luggage. The victim, who had distinctive blonde-dyed hair, was found unclothed and in an advanced state of decomposition.
“Initial forensic examination revealed surgical scarring consistent with breast enhancement procedures,” said Police Colonel Athit Yakaew, who is leading the investigation. “A 10-kilogram dumbbell was attached to the suitcase, presumably in an attempt to ensure it remained submerged.”
Investigators believe the victim had been dead for approximately five days before the discovery. Blood traces were identified on a concrete bridge near the pond’s entrance, though police suspect the actual murder took place at a different location.
The case may be linked to a missing person report filed in neighbouring Chonburi province’s Nong Kham district. Police are working to contact the missing woman’s family for potential identification.
“We are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area to track the movements of any vehicles or persons of interest,” Colonel Athit told reporters. “This appears to be a carefully planned disposal of evidence rather than a crime of opportunity.”
The victim’s body has been transferred to Ban Chang Hospital for full post-mortem examination. Police have urged anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area between 2-7 February to come forward.
