Mother of two Mrs Jintana, the human resources director for the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort at Karon Beach, was farewelled at a funeral service last night (January 20) at the Tha-Kreang Christian Church on the outskirts of Phuket Town.
Police are looking for the two men believed to have killed Mrs Jintana. First suspected of travelling inside a Toyota Vios, police now believe those involved were travelling on a motorbike. They are still tracking down CCTV footage from the area.
Pol Maj Gen Choti Chavalviwat said he believes Mrs Jintana’s murder was work-related, as she had fired workers because of incompetence.
“She was smart, and worked in a straightforward and orderly manner. She fired workers – both low and high-level employees – because they cheated the company.”
At her funeral last night, her family, including husband and two daughters, friends, fellow churchgoers and representatives from the Hilton attended to say goodbye to the much-loved Phuket resident.
Her husband said he was too upset to speak to media, but wanted to honour his beloved wife.
Mrs Jintana’s brother, Suthep Keawpradit, said Mrs Jintana was the youngest of seven siblings.
She was educated at Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, and got married in 1997. She had two daughters, aged 13 and 6.
Mr Suthep spoke of his sister’s strong Christian faith, and said she was involved in Christian churches while living in Bangkok, and was a valued member of the Hope of Phuket International Church on the bypass road.
“She always taught her daughters to follow the Bible’s words,” he said.
“We are so sad she is gone, but now she is in God’s embrace in heaven,” he said, his voice breaking.
Hilton co-worker Dawika Hor-oen said she had worked with Mrs Jintana for three years.
“She was such a dedicated and committed worker, I feel so sad,” she said.
Another colleague said Mrs Jintana was a nice person and a good person to work with.
“She was a good Christian. She went to church very often, and was a very kind and helpful boss.”
Hilton General Manager Andre Gomez issued a statement over the weekend saying the company was “deeply saddened” by Mrs Jintana’s death.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult period. She was a valued employee at our hotel and will be deeply missed by her team and colleagues.
“We are reaching out to her family to offer assistance. The incident is currently under investigation with the local police, and we will cooperate fully with them. As the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to comment further.”
Mrs Jintana’s funeral continues tonight from 7.30pm to 9pm.
Police say Mrs Jintana was driving a white Chevrolet car north on Chao Fa West Road around 8.30pm on Friday night when she was killed by a single shot, fired through the driver’s side window.
Police think she died instantly, and her car continued at speed until it struck a lamp post beside the road.