SUKHOTHAI, THAILAND — The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is calling on a foreign national, believed to be a Frenchman, to come forward with potentially crucial information in the unsolved 2007 murder of Tomoko Kawashita, a 27-year-old Japanese tourist found dead in the historic Saphan Hin Temple area.
Kawashita’s body was discovered on November 25, 2007, with a fatal throat wound and several of her belongings missing. Initial investigations focused on a Japanese man known to the victim, who abruptly left Thailand the day after the murder and refused DNA testing or police cooperation.
Following the lack of progress, Thai forensics collected DNA samples from 379 local Thai men—none of which matched the profile found at the crime scene. Further forensic analysis revealed the suspect was likely not Thai, shifting attention to foreign individuals who were in the area at the time.
Breakthrough in Cold Case
Now, nearly 18 years later, the DSI says they have identified a European male tourist, likely of French nationality, who may have valuable information related to the case. The man is not currently considered a suspect, but officials say his cooperation could significantly aid the investigation.
According to the DSI’s latest statement on June 24, the man was seen near Saphan Hin Temple on the day of the murder and is described as follows:
- Age at the time: 35–40 (now likely 53–58)
- Appearance: Pale skin, oval face, dark brown or black eyes
- Hair: Black or brown skinhead-style haircut
- Facial hair: Black beard
- Height: 170–180 cm
- Clothing: Black T-shirt and black nylon shorts
- Accent: Spoke English with a French accent
- No visible tattoos or piercings
He was reportedly traveling with a European woman, described as having shoulder- to back-length curly blonde hair, wearing a white tank top and a yellow tie-dye skirt.
The couple stayed at the Old City Guesthouse (also known as Vitoon Guesthouse) on Jarod Withi Road, Sukhothai, and left the province on November 25 or 26, reportedly heading to Chiang Mai.
Motorbike Rental and Public Appeal
Investigators confirmed that the man rented a black and blue Honda Click motorcycle on the morning of the murder, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., from a shop near a Coffee Club in central Sukhothai. He used his passport as collateral.
The DSI is now urging this individual—or anyone who recognizes the description—to come forward. He may be eligible for a 2 million baht reward (approx. US$58,000) if his information leads to the resolution of the case.
“We believe this man may hold key information. Even if he is not a suspect, his account could fill gaps in our timeline,” said a DSI official.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the DSI hotline or visit their official Facebook page.
