The father of a Japanese woman murdered in Sukhothai eight years ago continued his push for Thai authorities to hasten their investigation when he met with a Government House official Friday.
Yasuaki Kawashita
Yasuaki Kawashita, 66, met Gen Wilas Arunsri, secretary-general to the prime minister, to seek help in bringing the killer of his daughter Tomoko to justice. The meeting followed a similar sit-down Thursday with the Department of Special Investigation that also included his wife Eko.
Tomoko Kawashita, 27, was robbed and killed near Wat Saphan Hin in Sukhothai's Muang district in 2007.
After the meeting, Mr Kawashita said that Gen Wilas promised to push for the DSI's best investigative efforts, noting he also has a daughter and could not imagine the grief of losing her.
Mr Kawashita said he now was optimistic about the investigation because the DSI has taken over the case. However, he said he was grateful for police in Sukhothai who had made efforts to find the killer.
On Wednesday, Tomoko's parents were told police were still searching for her missing camera, which could provide a key piece of evidence in the case.
The Japanese parents also met Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya on Friday and he assured them that concerned authorities would do their best in the investigation.
Tomoko, from Osaka, was found stabbed to death in Sukhothai Historical Park on Nov 25, 2007. She was visiting the park to celebrate the Loy Krathong festival. Her personal belongings were missing, but her rented bicycle was left next to her body.
Police later arrested a local man found with bloodstains on his fingers. However, a DNA test failed to produce a conclusive result as the samples were too small and too dry.
The man was not charged and was later released. Since then there have been no other suspects.
Tambon Muang Kao police, who led the case, closed the investigation in May 2009 with the agreement of prosecutors. In July 2013, it was re-opened by the DSI as a special case after the Tourism and Sports Ministry asked them to reconsider.