CHIANG MAI – Police are hunting at least one man for the killing and dismembering of a spa owner whose body was found Monday morning.
Sansai district police responded to a complaint about a foul odour emanating from the house of Suree On-sanit in tambon Sanna Meng. Inside a bedroom, they found six black plastic bags on the bed stuffed with body parts believed to be that of the 40-year-old woman.
A candle and small burner normally used in floating lanterns was found near the bags. Burn marks were obvious on the mattress and two sharp knives were found in the kitchen, but no blood stains.
A preliminary investigation showed that Suree normally lived alone in the house but was visited by men from time to time. On Feb 4, neighbours smelled some faint smoke coming from the house, but dismissed it when they saw no flames.
They later smelled her decomposing body and saw Suree's car parked in the house without seeing her for a while, so they called police. The woman's mobile phone indicated her final call was made on Feb 3.
Police suspect the killer might have tried to set the mattress on fire to cover up the murder but it only smouldered in the closed room.
Investigators are working on the theories that the killing was motivated by business or a failed love affair. A man regularly seen with Suree when she closed her shop has disappeared and police are trying to locate him for questioning.