Lt Sawanya Eidthrong of the Kathu Police told The Phuket News yesterday (Sept 27) that the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Surat Thani has confirmed that DNA samples taken from family members of the missing man matched with DNA samples taken from the body found in the pond in Kathu.
“I can confirm that the DNA samples taken from the missing man’s family and that of the man found floating in the pond matched. However, we are still waiting on confirmation of the cause of death before we conclude our investigation,” he said.
Muhammad Hakiki, 24, from Indonesia was reported missing on May 7. He was staying at accommodation in Kathu provided by the hotel which was not far from where the body was found in the pond. (See story here.)
A toothbrush and some hair samples collected from Mr Hakiki’s room were sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Surat Thani for DNA comparison with DNA taken from the body in May. (See story here.)
However, results from that comparison where inconclusive, therefore DNA samples were taken from Mr Hakiki’s family in Indonesia and transported to Thailand. The results showed that the DNA samples were a match.
Lt Sawanya went on to explain that the police investigation cannot be concluded just yet, but murder has been ruled out.
“After questioning people from the area where the body was found including friends, co-workers and family there appears to be only two possible causes of death, suicide or drowning.
“Mr Hakiki’s parents also believe that these two possibilities may be the cause of death. They believe that their son was having some personal issues at the time,” Lt Sawanya said.
“The last person to see Mr Hakiki alive was a guard at the accommodation. He told us that he saw Mr Hakiki walking towards the pond wearing only a towel, the one we found in the area. It is possible that he was walking in the area and slipped and fell into the water. We don’t really know.
“We are waiting for confirmation on the cause of death and then we will close this case,” he added.