Murder investigation after body found weighted and chained near Phang Nga pier

Authorities in Phang Nga are investigating a grisly death after a woman's body was found chained and submerged near a fishing pier.

Woman found dead chained by neck underwater weighed down with concrete dumbbells

Thai police say a woman’s body was found floating near the Ban Tha Yai pier in Phang Nga on August 8. She was chained by the neck and tied underwater with two concrete dumbbells, authorities say. The victim’s identity and nationality are not yet known, and investigators believe she may have been dead for about 48 hours before discovery. She was wearing grey shorts and a brown round neck T shirt at the time.

Detectives and rescue workers recovered the body and sent it for autopsy to determine the cause of death and whether the person was alive when placed in the water. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the pier and nearby waterways, and they are checking with local communities for missing persons who match the description. The case is being treated as a possible murder, with officials asking the public to report any unusual activity around the pier.

The method used to weight down the body suggests an intent to conceal a death, not an accident. The investigation will hinge on autopsy results, surveillance footage, and tips from residents. In a coastal area that relies on public spaces for daily life, such grisly discoveries can shake trust and highlight safety gaps.

Reporting challenges matter as well. Officials must balance transparency with sensitivity while avoiding sensationalism. How the case is covered could influence public perception of the community and the authorities’ ability to protect residents and visitors alike.

Highlights

Investigators will share updates as more details emerge.