HUA HIN – A violent robbery has shaken the usually quiet seaside town of Hua Hin. Police have arrested a man accused of killing a female hotel receptionist during the early hours of 19 January 2026.
CCTV from the hotel lobby shows the attack. Investigators believe the motive was theft, with the suspect escaping with two mobile phones and the victim’s black handbag, items taken at the cost of a young woman’s life.
The victim was Wirin “Nui” Thaolipo, 35, a night-shift front-desk receptionist at the Best LD Hotel in Soi Hua Hin 88/1, near a local shopping centre. Co-workers said Wirin was kind, reliable, and always welcoming to guests. She was working alone at the reception desk at about 3:00 am when the incident happened.
Footage from the lobby shows the suspect entering the hotel and hanging around while Wirin was on a phone call, with her back briefly turned. He then climbed over the reception counter and attacked her with a metal bar.
Reports say she was struck at least 14 times in the head. Wirin fell behind the counter with severe injuries. The attacker then took two mobile phones (belonging to the victim) and her black handbag, which held personal items and cash, before running away.
Rescue teams in Hua Hin rushed Wirin to Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, but she was declared dead on arrival. Hotel staff and residents have been left grieving and unsettled after such an extreme act of violence in a town known for its relaxed tourist feel.
Police Launch Province-wide Manhunt
Hua Hin police, working under Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police, moved quickly after the case was reported at about 3:15 am. Investigators used clear CCTV images to identify the suspect within hours. Police named him as Rattikorn Yingyod, 36, from Nakhon Ratchasima province. Authorities said he had a criminal history linked to assault and other offences.
The National Police Chief ordered a major operation, bringing in Provincial Police Region 7, the Crime Suppression Division, and local units. More than 100 officers were sent out to cover key points across Hua Hin, including main roads, travel hubs, and possible hiding places.
Police set up checkpoints and widened the search across Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The suspect’s image was also shared widely through social media and news reports, with officers asking the public to report sightings.
CCTV stills shared with the public helped generate tips and narrow the search. Police then secured an arrest warrant from the Hua Hin Provincial Court. Rattikorn faces charges including premeditated murder with cruel acts and robbery causing death, offences that carry heavy penalties under Thai law.
Arrest Made Near the Railway
Police tracked Rattikorn down on the afternoon of 20 January 2026 and arrested him in Hua Hin, about five kilometres from the hotel, near a railway line. He was detained without resistance and taken to Hua Hin Police Station for questioning. Authorities said they recovered evidence linking him to the crime, including items matching the stolen property.
Senior officers said the case showed the impact of quick coordination and public support. Police added that taking the suspect into custody quickly reduced the risk of further harm.
Wirin’s family is struggling with the loss. Relatives said she worked long hours to support loved ones and was a steady presence at home. Friends and colleagues have also shared their memories, describing her as cheerful and dependable, even on difficult night shifts. Residents have started fundraising and other support efforts to help her family through the days ahead.
The killing has also renewed concerns about night-shift safety at hotels and other tourism businesses. Calls are growing for stronger security, including extra staff on late shifts and panic buttons at reception desks.
Police continue to investigate, while the case highlights the risks faced by front-line workers and the need for fast action to keep people safe in Thailand’s resort towns.
