Bangkok Birthday Party: Singaporean Boyfriend Sought for Murder
A celebratory birthday dinner in Bangkok took a grim turn last week with the discovery of a young Thai woman’s body in her luxury apartment, sparking an international manhunt for her Singaporean boyfriend. This case has sent shockwaves through Thailand and highlighted the complexities of cross-border crime in Southeast Asia.
Thirty-year-old Prao-Pilas, a native of Khon Kaen province, was found dead in the bathroom of her 22nd-floor apartment on Sukhumvit Soi 39 on March 26th. Her body, wrapped in bedding, showed visible wounds and bloodstains on her head. Concerned friends, unable to contact Prao-Pilas since March 24th, alerted authorities at Thonglor Police Station. Suspicion quickly fell on her 34-year-old Singaporean boyfriend, Daniel Benjamin Goh, who was seen leaving the residence on March 23rd, Prao-Pilas’s birthday.
“If I disappear for two nights, no one would hurt me except him,” Prao-Pilas told her mother, according to a heartbreaking interview. These words now resonate deeply as the investigation unfolds. Her mother also revealed a history of conflict and alleged physical abuse during their three-year relationship, which began in Singapore before the couple moved to Bangkok. The mother stated she received photos of her daughter’s bruises after previous altercations, painting a disturbing picture of a volatile relationship. A haunting photograph, posted on Prao-Pilas’s Instagram hours before her last known sighting, shows the couple celebrating her birthday with a Patek Philippe watch box prominently displayed—a presumed gift from Goh.
The South Bangkok District Court issued an arrest warrant for Goh on March 27th. The charges include visa overstay and failure to report an unnatural death. A detailed timeline, compiled from CCTV footage and witness testimonies, tracks Goh’s movements in the hours and days following the celebration. He was seen repeatedly entering and exiting Prao-Pilas’s apartment, receiving food deliveries, and finally leaving with a large suitcase in the early afternoon of March 25th. His trail leads towards Chiang Rai province, a northern region bordering Myanmar, raising concerns about a potential cross-border escape.
Key Events in the Timeline:
- March 23rd: Prao-Pilas celebrates her birthday with Goh.
- March 24th-25th: Goh is seen entering and exiting Prao-Pilas’s apartment multiple times.
- March 25th: Goh leaves the condominium with a suitcase and heads towards Chiang Rai.
- March 26th: Prao-Pilas’s body is discovered.
- March 27th: An arrest warrant is issued for Goh.
This case echoes similar incidents of violence against women in Thailand and globally, reigniting discussions about domestic abuse and the need for stronger protective measures. Khaosod English https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/03/28/warrant-issued-for-singaporean-in-bangkok-girlfriends-birthday-murder/ reported on the incident and the subsequent investigation. Goh’s potential escape to Myanmar adds another layer of complexity, reminiscent of other high-profile international fugitive cases. Thai authorities are actively collaborating with their counterparts in Myanmar and Singapore in the ongoing pursuit.
The case could further strain diplomatic ties between Thailand and Singapore if the extradition process proves challenging. The incident also underscores the need for enhanced cross-border security cooperation to prevent similar escapes.
Could Goh face further charges? While current charges relate to immigration violations and failure to report the death, more serious charges, such as murder, are likely pending the autopsy and ongoing investigation.
What is the likelihood of his extradition? If apprehended in Myanmar, extradition to Thailand will depend on existing treaties and cooperation between the two countries.
In conclusion, the tragic death of Prao-Pilas casts a long shadow over what began as a birthday celebration. The ongoing manhunt for Daniel Benjamin Goh highlights the challenges of international criminal investigations and the urgent need for continued vigilance in addressing violence against women. The case continues to unfold, and the world awaits justice for Prao-Pilas.
