Loei: Relatives of a Thai intern who died under mysterious circumstances in Japan have sought assistance from local authorities to uncover the cause of death and repatriate the body for religious rites. The Thai Embassy in Tokyo has been tasked by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to investigate the death of Mr. Kanapat, also known as Nong Nut, who was on an internship in Hiroshima, Japan.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Nantanapat, the aunt of the deceased, presented evidence including photographs and chat messages to the media in Loei Province. Her nephew had been missing since December 21 last year after attending a New Year's Eve party. Over a month later, his body was discovered at a restaurant's fire exit. Mr. Kanapat had been in Japan since April 2022 on a three-year internship program, following his graduation from Loei Technical College.
Ms. Nantanapat and her family met with Mr. Chaipoj Charoonpong, the governor of Loei, along with heads of relevant government agencies, to seek assistance. The governor has instructed these agencies to coordinate efforts in assisting the family and to communicate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Kanapat's internship was arranged through a legally licensed private company. In the event of his body being returned, an initial payment of 40,000 baht and further financial assistance, as per the employment contract, will be provided to the family.
Loei Provincial Police have stated that the responsibility to resolve the case lies with Japanese authorities, limiting Thai police involvement. The Loei Provincial Labor Office noted that Mr. Kanapat's body is currently held at a police station in Hiroshima, awaiting DNA verification and autopsy results, expected by the end of January. Coordination for the repatriation of the body to Thailand is underway.