BANGKOK —
A Chinese national wanted in connection with the death of a young Thai woman in a Bangkok hotel has surrendered to police after spending months on the run in Laos.
Douying, 37, turned himself in at Chok Chai Police Station on June 27, accompanied by his lawyer. Thai authorities had issued an arrest warrant for him on April 16, 2025, over charges of distributing Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine and MDMA), distributing Category 2 psychotropic substances (ketamine), and negligent homicide.
Woman Found Dead in Hotel
The case began on February 10, when staff at a hotel in Bangkok’s Ladprao district found a 22-year-old Thai woman, identified as Airada, unresponsive in her room.
Police discovered her unclothed with no immediate signs of physical assault. However, they found ketamine and so-called “happy water” — a liquid cocktail laced with various drugs — at the scene.
Hotel logs showed Airada had checked in with Douying at 11:16 p.m. the previous evening. Investigators said Douying alerted staff to her condition but quickly fled after she was pronounced dead.
Modeling Agency and Drug Use
Further investigation revealed chat records indicating that Airada had been hired through a modeling agency for a 4-5 hour “service” for 6,000 baht (about $184). The messages showed Airada initially expressed reluctance about drug use but was allegedly pressured to participate.
On February 17, police arrested Panita, 18, also known as “Alin,” a model accused of recruiting Airada. She faces charges of procuring prostitution. Meanwhile, Douying fled across the border into Laos, sparking a months-long manhunt.
Denials and Legal Proceedings
During police questioning, Douying denied coercing Airada to take drugs, insisting she used them voluntarily and that he only participated alongside her.
Police Colonel Pornthawee, chief of Chok Chai Police Station, confirmed that Douying remains in custody as authorities proceed with legal action.
