The uncle of a three-year-old girl found dead on a mountain in Mukdahan province last year surrendered to police in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Chaiphol Wipha, 44, was with his wife when he surrendered, followint the issue of an arrest warrant.

He is accused in the death of his niece Orawan "Nong Chompoo" Wongsricha in May 2020.

Nong Chompoo was found dead and naked on a mountain in Phu Pha Yon National Park, a few kilometres from her home, on May 14 last year.

Police sources said the arrest warrant was based on evidence from clothing, shoes, hair, other forensic evidence, and witnesses' accounts.

The girl's death dates back to May 11, 2020, when she went missing from her home. The parents went to run an errand, and left their elder daughter to look after her sister.

She reportedly told police that her little sister had simply wandered off and disappeared.

After a four-day search, Nong Chompoo was found dead.

An autopsy found evidence of physical assault and sexual violation.

The case sparked a media frenzy, with two TV channels treating it like a reality show with daily updates for months.

Mr Chaiphol became a minor celebrity, was briefly in the show, had many fans, reportedly received huge donations and always insisted on his innocence.