Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, a 25-year-old LGBTQ+ TikTok creator from Myanmar with over 800,000 followers, was found beaten to death in a forest in Mae Sot, Thailand on January 20, 2026. Thai police arrested at least one suspect and are actively hunting two individuals believed to have lured the popular influencer to a remote location through a fake distress call before killing him. The murder investigation revealed evidence of a premeditated attack, with authorities recovering a bloodstained wooden rod near the victim's body.
The case has drawn international attention due to the victim's prominent online presence and the circumstances surrounding his death. You'll learn how investigators believe Tin Zaw Htwe trusted the people who contacted him, which explains why he agreed to meet them in an isolated area late at night. The killing of this rising queer voice has sparked discussions about safety for LGBTQ+ content creators.
This article covers everything known about the investigation, from the discovery of his body behind Pha Thong village to the ongoing manhunt for suspects. You'll find details about who Tin Zaw Htwe was, what happened in his final hours, and how authorities are working to bring those responsible to justice.
Overview of the Tin Zaw Htwe Case
Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, a 25-year-old LGBTQ+ TikTok creator from Myanmar with nearly 1 million followers, was found dead in Mae Sot, Thailand on January 20, 2026. Police arrested a suspect and determined the killing was premeditated.
Discovery of the Body
Thai authorities discovered Htwe's body in a forest in the Mae Sot district on the afternoon of January 20. Officers from the Mae Sot Police Station arrived at the scene shortly after 4 PM.
The LGBTQ+ TikTok creator was found beaten in a grassy area beneath a large tree. His body was located near a factory in the border region between Thailand and Myanmar.
Htwe had posted his final TikTok video on January 19, just one day before his death. In the video, he lip-synced to a popular song while showing off a new T-shirt.
Initial Police Findings
Police Colonel Rang Dawadung, Superintendent of Mae Sot Police Station, confirmed that authorities arrested one suspect in connection with Htwe's death. The investigation into Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's killing initially suggested robbery as a possible motive.
However, investigators later determined the attack was planned. The 25-year-old creator had suffered severe trauma from being beaten to death.
Thai police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case. Authorities are working to establish the full details of what happened and whether additional suspects were involved.
Response From the LGBTQ+ Community
Thousands of people attended Htwe's funeral to mourn the loss of the popular content creator. Known as "Ayeyarwady Ma" or "irrawaddyma" on social media, he regularly posted lifestyle clips, dancing videos, and content featuring his partner.
Fans left tributes across his social media pages after news of his death spread. "It hurts my heart how quickly a human life is taken away," one user wrote. Another fan added, "May you live a happy and beautiful life in the next life."
The funeral drew thousands of mourners who remembered him as a rising voice in the LGBTQ+ community. His death highlighted ongoing safety concerns for LGBTQ+ influencers in the region.
Biography of Tin Zaw Htwe
Ko Tin Zaw Htwe was a 25-year-old Myanmar TikTok influencer who built a significant following through content that resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences across Southeast Asia. His online presence as Ayeyarwady Ma made him a recognizable figure in Myanmar's digital landscape.
Early Life and Background
Tin Zaw Htwe was born and raised in Myanmar, where he grew up navigating life as an openly queer individual in a conservative society. At 25 years old, he had relocated to Thailand's border town of Mae Sot, where many Myanmar nationals live and work.
The young creator identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community and used his platform to express his authentic self. His move to Thailand likely provided him more freedom to create content and live openly compared to the restrictive environment in Myanmar.
Before his death, Ko Tin Zaw Htwe lived in Mae Sot, a district in Tak province near the Myanmar-Thailand border. This area hosts a large population of Myanmar migrants and refugees.
Rise as a TikTok Influencer
Ko Tin Zaw Htwe gained popularity on TikTok under the username Ayeyarwady Ma, also known as Irrawaddy Ma. The Myanmar TikTok star accumulated over 800,000 followers on the platform, with some reports indicating he had nearly one million followers.
His content appealed to young audiences who connected with his personality and representation. The creator posted videos that showcased his life, style, and experiences as an LGBTQ+ individual.
His rapid growth on social media demonstrated the appetite for diverse voices in Myanmar's digital space. You could see his influence through the engagement his posts received and the community he built online.
Impact on LGBTQ+ Visibility in Myanmar and Thailand
As an LGBTQ+ TikTok creator, Tin Zaw Htwe represented a visible queer voice in a region where such representation remains limited. His openness about his identity provided visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals in Myanmar who often face discrimination and social stigma.
Thousands attended his funeral at Luang Mae Sot Cemetery, demonstrating the impact he had on his community. Friends and followers gathered to pay their respects, showing how deeply his presence resonated with people.
His death sparked conversations about safety for LGBTQ+ content creators in Southeast Asia. The Myanmar TikTok influencer's work helped normalize queer identities in digital spaces where traditional media often excludes such perspectives.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Murder
Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's death followed a specific sequence of events that began with a late-night communication and ended with the discovery of his body in a remote forest area. The timeline spans just over 48 hours in January 2026, from his initial departure to when authorities found him.
Social Media Call and Disappearance
Ko Tin Zaw Htwe left his accommodation late at night on January 18, 2026, after receiving a call via social media from someone asking for help. People close to the 25-year-old TikTok creator told police he never returned after responding to this distress call.
Mae Sot police believe the suspect planned the crime in advance. The attacker arranged to meet the victim at a secluded location rather than at his residence. Investigators think the social media call was part of a deliberate plan to lure him to the isolated area.
Last Known Movements
You can trace Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's final movements to the area near Pha Thong village in Mae Tao subdistrict. The location where he was found sits near a road leading to a well-known factory. The spot is isolated and surrounded by bushes, making it an ideal location for the attacker to carry out the crime without witnesses.
The victim traveled to this remote forested area in Mae Sot district in response to the fake call for help. His body was discovered lying face down, wearing a yellow T-shirt with a jacket and black tracksuit trousers.
Key Dates: January 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 18 | Ko Tin Zaw Htwe leaves his accommodation late at night after receiving social media call |
| January 20 | Body discovered in grassy forest near Phathong village |
| January 20 | Mae Sot police notified and arrive at scene with forensic personnel |
When Mae Sot police arrived at the scene, they found blunt-force injuries to his head with dried blood on his face. A bloodstained wooden stick lay nearby, believed to be the weapon used in the attack. Several valuables were missing, including a gold necklace, gold rings, a gold bracelet, and an iPhone 17.
Details of the Crime Scene
Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's body was discovered in a forested area in Mae Sot, Thailand, showing signs of severe trauma from a violent assault. Police recovered key evidence at the scene that helped investigators piece together the final moments of the TikTok star's life.
Location and Scene Description
The 25-year-old influencer was discovered in a forest behind Pha Thong village in Mae Sot district on January 21, 2026. A villager herding animals found the body concealed in grass beneath a large tree.
When police arrived, they found Ko Tin Zaw Htwe lying face down. He wore a yellow t-shirt under a black jacket and black trousers. His pants had been pulled down with the belt buckle undone.
The victim's face showed signs of severe trauma consistent with being struck by a hard object. The injuries indicated he had been beaten to death in what appeared to be a violent assault. The remote location suggested the perpetrators had deliberately chosen an isolated spot to carry out the attack.
Evidence Collected by Investigators
Police found a bloodstained wooden rod near the body. Investigators believe this bloodstained wooden stick was the suspected murder weapon used in the fatal beating.
Additional items recovered at the scene included:
- An empty alcohol bottle
- A bag
- Cosmetics
- A bank book
- A condom
Most of Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's valuables were missing from the scene. This led investigators to suspect robbery as a possible motive for the killing. The combination of personal items left behind and missing valuables suggested the attackers had searched through his belongings after the assault.
Murder Suspect Investigation Updates
Thai authorities arrested one suspect in connection with Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's death while continuing to search for a second individual believed to be involved in the killing.
Arrested Suspect and Ongoing Search
Mae Sot police made an arrest in the investigation of Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's murder after discovering his body in a forest near Mae Sot district. Authorities are actively hunting for a second suspect who remains at large.
The police found a bloodstained wooden rod near the victim's body, which they believe served as the murder weapon. Investigators recovered several items at the scene including an empty alcohol bottle, a bag, cosmetics, a bank book, and a condom. Most of Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's valuables were missing from the location.
Mae Sot police have not publicly released detailed information about the arrested suspect's identity. The investigation continues as authorities work to locate the second individual connected to this case.
Suspect Profiles and Motives
Investigators believe the perpetrators were people Ko Tin Zaw Htwe trusted, which explains why the 25-year-old TikTok creator agreed to meet them in an isolated area. The victim left his accommodation late on January 18 after receiving a social media call for help.
Police suspect the killing was planned rather than a random act of violence. Authorities initially considered robbery as a possible motive due to the missing valuables. The two suspects allegedly lured Ko Tin Zaw Htwe to the secluded forest location behind Pha Thong village where he was killed.
The victim trusted the caller enough to respond to their distress message and travel to meet them. He lost contact with friends and associates after departing for this meeting.
Impact and Reactions
The death of Ko Tin Zaw Htwe sparked widespread grief and raised urgent questions about the safety of content creators who live publicly online. His followers mourned not just a Myanmar TikToker, but someone who represented visibility and pride in spaces where that often comes with risk.
Public and Online Tributes
When you scroll through social media platforms today, you'll still find tributes to the LGBTQ+ TikTok creator who was discovered dead in Thailand's Mae Sot forest. His videos are being reshared with messages of remembrance and calls for justice. One follower wrote on X that they used to watch his videos to feel happy and that the news didn't feel real.
Comments flooded his old TikTok posts. Many expressed shock at how someone so full of life could be gone. Others said he gave people confidence to be themselves during a time when that felt difficult.
Thousands attended his funeral, showing the deep connection followers felt. The turnout reflected how much his presence meant to people across borders.
Community Concerns Around Influencer Safety
You're seeing renewed conversations about the risks that come with online visibility. The fact that Ko Tin Zaw Htwe reportedly left after receiving a social media call has made many creators rethink how they interact with followers and strangers online.
LGBTQ+ influencers face particular vulnerabilities. Their openness can attract both support and danger. For migrant creators like Htwe, living away from home in border towns adds another layer of risk.
Some users pointed out that internet fame can expose people to threats they might not anticipate. Others noted that queer visibility, while important, can make creators targets in regions where acceptance remains limited.
Legacy in LGBTQ+ Media
Ko Tin Zaw Htwe leaves behind more than 900,000 followers and countless videos that celebrated self-expression. For Myanmar's LGBTQ+ community, his bold presence offered something rare: representation without apology.
His content showed fashion, dance, and moments with his partner. These weren't political statements, yet they mattered deeply. They showed everyday joy in a community often denied that simple visibility.
His death has become a reference point in discussions about queer creator safety across Southeast Asia. The conversations his loss sparked continue to push for better protections and awareness around the real-world dangers that can follow online exposure.
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