15-5-2024 (BANGKOK) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the sister of a murdered Thai woman is currently in Taiwan, and her mother may grant her power of attorney to manage funeral arrangements while awaiting autopsy results. Taiwanese authorities have yet to officially identify the perpetrator.
On May 14, Amnat Palapleewan, Director of the Department of Protection and Care for Thai Nationals Abroad, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided an update on the support and facilitation efforts in the murder case of a Thai woman in Taiwan. The ministry received a report from the Thai Trade and Economic Office in Taipei regarding the death of Ms. Sudthida, a 31-year-old Thai woman, on May 11. Despite the notification from Taiwanese police to the Thai office on the morning of May 11, the victim’s relatives have not yet contacted the office for assistance with funeral arrangements.
Mr. Amnat confirmed that the police have apprehended the suspect. The consular assistant subsequently informed the victim’s mother, assuring her that the Thai Trade Office is closely monitoring the case. It was revealed that the victim’s sister is currently in Taiwan, prompting the possibility that the mother might authorize her to handle the funeral proceedings.
Mr. Amnat outlined the usual procedures for handling the deaths of Thai nationals abroad. The embassy typically advises relatives on funeral arrangements, which involve various expenses such as burial, cremation in the foreign country, or repatriation of the body to Thailand. If the family lacks funds, they may apply for a loan agreement.
Given that this case involves murder, it is subject to Taiwanese law. The Thai Trade Office is awaiting the autopsy results after the police transferred the victim’s body to the prosecutor for a formal examination to determine the cause of death.
Regarding media reports suggesting that the primary suspect is the victim’s employer and also a Thai national, Mr. Amnat clarified that Taiwanese police have not officially reported the identity of the perpetrator. As it is a murder case, the investigation is ongoing under Taiwanese legal jurisdiction.
