Hunt for transgender after boyfriend found stabbed to death

KHON KAEN: A 28-year-old transgender woman was on the run from police after her long-time boyfriend was found stabbed to death in the rented accommodation they shared in Muang district.

Thanphicha Rodnongkheng, or “Mind’’, of Chum Phrae district, is wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Khon Kaen provincial court for the murder of Manop Amthao, 27.

Manop was found dead with stab wounds in their rented room in Khon Kaen’s Muang district on May 28.

Police investigators said security camera recording showed Thanphicha carrying two black plastic bags, and a shoulder bag, about 4.30am on May 27 as she walked along the streets away from where they stayed. She was spotted at four locations.

Police suspect the plastic bags contained blood-stained clothing, which she later discarded.

Manop was found dead on the floor near the bed in their rented room about 10.30 am on May 28 after worried relatives and friends were unable to contact him.

Police said he had two stab wounds to the left side of his chest. A blood-stained knife was found in the kitchen sink. 

Investigators learned that Manop worked at a paper factory and rented the room with his girlfriend, who was a transgender. She had disappeared.

Pol Maj Gen Phutthiphong Musikul, chief of Khon Kaen police, said the investigation was progressing well. The suspect was believed to still be in Khon Kaen. He declined to give more details. 

Police have posted a public announcement seeking information about the suspect's whereabouts. (continues below)

The police announcement asking people for information about Thanphicha "Mind'' Rodnongkhaeng, 28, a transgender woman wanted for murder. (Photo: Chakkrapan Natanri)

The victim's uncle, Boonma Chareewan, 56, told police that relatives knew Manop lived with his long-time girlfriend. They had known each other for almost seven years. However, relatives had not been aware that Thanphicha was a transgender woman.

A close friend had gone to Manop's room on May 27, but it was locked. The friend tried to contact him by  phone several times, but there was no answer.

Relatives were also unable to contact him. They then went to the premises and asked the owner to open the door, and he was found dead inside, his uncle said.