Japanese Tourist Slain in Thailand’s Ancient Capital

A Japanese tourist was slain and robbed over the weekend while visiting Thailand’s ancient capital of Sukhothai during Loy Krathong, or the Water Candle festival, police said Wednesday.

The body of the tourist, identified only by her first name Nomoko, was found with her throat slashed and her possessions stolen Sunday in the grass at the side of the road leading to one of the more remote ruins of the Sukhothai cultural heritage site.

Police said the woman rented a bicycle on Saturday to visit a temple on the outskirts of the main Sukhothai complex, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Sukhothai Police Chief Major General Thirrin Padungchiwit ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators of the murder.

Altogether 12 people, including the Japanese tourist, died during this year’s Loy Krathong, victims of firecrackers, road accidents, brawls and at least one murder.