Missing Thai Model's Body Discovered In Bahrain Morgue, Family Demands Answers

The body of Kaikan Kaennakam, a 31-year-old Thai model, was discovered in a morgue in Bahrain, over a year after she went missing. Her family is demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Kaikan had transitioned from modelling to working in a restaurant in the Middle East after facing a decline in job opportunities. She made efforts to support her family back in northeast Thailand. Keeping her loved ones informed, she frequently shared updates via social media, revealing that she had formed a relationship and moved in with her Bahraini boyfriend.

In April 2023, Kaikan abruptly ceased her online activity, causing concern among her relatives who were unable to reach her via phone. Despite their efforts to locate her, including seeking assistance from the Thai embassy in January of the following year and receiving support from the Thai community in Bahrain, Kaikan was unable to be located.

Tragically, on April 18, the Thai embassy in Bahrain conveyed the devastating news to Kaikan’s family that the body of an unidentified Southeast Asian woman had been discovered in the Salmaniya medical complex morgue since the previous year. A tattoo on the woman’s leg provided a crucial clue identifying her as the missing Thai worker. The stated cause of death was said to be acute lung and heart failure due to alcohol poisoning.

Suthida Ngernthaworn, Kaikan’s sister, harbours suspicions regarding the circumstances surrounding Kaikan’s death. She asserts that photographs of Kaikan’s body exhibit indications of bruising, prompting her concerns. Additionally, Suthida reveals that before her disappearance, Kaikan had shared images and videos on social media depicting her body adorned with marks and cuts, further fueling suspicion. Now the family is busy trying to get the woman’s mortal remains back to Thailand, which, without travel insurance, can be a very expensive task.

The family has sought the aid of Paveena Hongsakul, the founder of a charity dedicated to women and children in Thailand. Paveena has taken steps to request assistance from the Department of Consular Affairs director-general and the director of the Protection of Thai Nationals Abroad Division, seeking aid in repatriating Kaikan’s body back to Thailand.