LGBTQ+ TikTok star with one million followers found ‘beaten to death’ in forest
The TikTok star’s body was found in a forest area (Ko Tin Zaw Htwe on Facebook)
The TikTok star's body was found in a forest area (Ko Tin Zaw Htwe on Facebook)
The body of a popular LGBTQ+ TikTok was found dumped in a forest in Thailand, having been beaten to death – according to local reports.
Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, 25, from Myanmar, had nearly one million followers on his TikTok account, where he shared lifestyle content including taking part in online trends, showing off his outfits, reviewing products and dancing.
As per reporting by local media outlets, the star’s body was discovered beneath a tree on 20 January in the western Thailand district of Mae Sot, which borders Myanmar, by a local who immediately alerted the authorities.
The TikToker’s body was found facedown and bloodied, with his trousers pulled down around his buttocks and a wooden stick discovered nearby which was blood-stained, and is believed to be the murder weapon.
According to coverage by The Bankok Post, this face showed signs of “severe trauma consistent with being struck by a hard object”.
Alongside his injuries, investigators who examined the scene also found an empty alcohol bottle, a bag, cosmetics, a bank book and a condom whilst the star’s jewellery and mobile phone were missing.
Sources close to the TikToker said he received a call on 18 January “via social media from someone asking for help” and left his accommodation in the middle of the night. He never returned.
Investigators believe the crime was premeditated, with the perpetrator arranging to meet him at a secluded location.
One individual has reportedly been arrested in connection with the crime and the investigation is on-going.
Sharing their grief on social media, friends of Htwe described him as “so pure” and “kind-hearted”.
