Image Credit: Taiwan News
Seven Thai nationals have been arrested in Miaoli County, west Taiwan, in connection with the suspected murder of a fellow Thai migrant worker. The 47-year-old, known as “Ah Er,” was reported to have died under suspicious circumstances on Sunday, 15 September, during an altercation with compatriots at a rented house.
According to media reports, local police, responding to concerns raised by Ah Er’s daughter from Thailand, launched an investigation on Tuesday, arresting five suspects from an abandoned house in Gongguan Township. Two additional suspects were detained early Thursday morning. According to authorities, Ah Er had been working illegally in Taiwan after overstaying a tourist visa.
Reports indicated that the victim’s girlfriend had been informed of his sudden collapse during a gathering. Upon returning, she found him unresponsive, with no efforts made by those present to seek medical help. Instead, the group allegedly contacted their employer, identified as Teng, and decided to bury the body in a remote mountainous area.
Police revealed that a local interpreter in Yilan helped the victim’s daughter report the matter to Miaoli police. Following the discovery of the body, an autopsy on 18 September found no immediate signs of external injury. However, a 31-year-old suspect, “Ah Bo,” is alleged to have assaulted the victim prior to his death.
The authorities are treating the case as a possible homicide. Charges of abandoning a corpse have also been filed against the suspects. Meanwhile, the search continues for Teng, who is believed to have transported the body for burial.
Further details regarding the cause of death are expected following a second autopsy, scheduled for Thursday afternoon.