Suspect sought in brutal slaying

Police are searching for a young man suspected of brutally killing his girlfriend during the New Year celebration.

Monitoring of mobile-phone calls by the suspect, Pairoj Nantatanti, 22, showed that he last used the device in Ratchaburi. An informed source said Pairoj had many friends, and it was possible one of them had helped him flee to Cambodia.

"One of his close friends has lived in that country," the source said.

Police believe Pairoj fatally attacked his girlfriend out of jealousy, as she was attractive and drew the attention of many men.

The victim's body was found inside her own condominium in Nonthaburi on Thursday. Police said she had sustained multiple stab wounds and some parts of her body were burned. It was believed that she had been killed two days earlier.

ARREST WARRANT

Nonthaburi police chief Maj-General Tanayut Wuttijarasthamrong said yesterday that in the presence of solid evidence, the court had approved an arrest warrant for Pairoj.

He warned Pairoj's friends and relatives against hiding the suspect.

"Giving shelter to a wanted man is a legal offence," he said.

Tanayut said the crime was shocking and had received much public attention. He said police were trying to track Pairoj down.

Police have interrogated six witnesses including a security guard at the condominium. The investigation revealed that the victim and her boyfriend often quarrelled. Pairoj was described as violent and aggressive.

The victim's younger brother hoped Pairoj would be brought to justice.

A funeral will be held for the victim in Pattani and the cremation ceremony will take place on Tuesday.