Who Is Ko Tin Zaw Htwe ? Queer TikTok Creator Found Dead and Beaten in Thailand

Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, a 25-year-old queer TikTok star from Myanmar, was found beaten to death in a forest in Thailand's Mae Sot district on 20 January 2026. The influencer, known for his vibrant dancing and lifestyle videos, had amassed nearly one million followers.

He vanished after receiving a late-night social media call for help on 18 January, prompting a swift police response that led to one arrest, though the investigation remains active as authorities seek additional suspects.

Who was Ko Tin Zaw Htwe?

Born in Myanmar, Ko Tin Zaw Htwe rose to prominence as a queer content creator on TikTok, where he shared energetic dance routines, personal glimpses into his life, and messages of self-expression. Under the handle Irrawaddy Ma, his account grew to over 1 million followers, drawing viewers with his cheerful lip-sync videos and fashion displays.

He often posted alongside his partner, blending everyday moments with advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility in a region where such topics can still face stigma. Hardly a surprise, then, that his content resonated widely across Southeast Asia. Before his tragic end, Htwe's last upload on 19 January showed him in a new T-shirt, lip-syncing to a popular track, appearing as lively as ever.

Friends described him as outgoing and kind, someone who used his platform to connect and inspire. His move to Thailand, near the border, reflected the challenges many face in Myanmar amid ongoing instability. Yet, his online presence offered a beacon of joy for fans navigating similar identities.

The Disappearance and Grim Discovery

The sequence of events began around midnight on 18 January when Ko Tin Zaw Htwe received a call via social media from someone requesting assistance, believed to have lured him out. He left his home in Mae Sot and failed to return, raising alarms among friends who reported him missing.

Two days later, on 20 January at about 4:00pm, his body was located in a grassy spot beneath a large tree near Pha Thong Village in the district's forested area, some 300 miles northwest of Bangkok. Police arrived to find him face down, with dried blood on his head and face, his sweatpants and underwear pulled down, suggesting a violent assault. A blood-stained wooden stick nearby was identified as the likely weapon.

Scattered personal items included a handbag, cosmetics, a bank book, condoms, and an alcohol bottle, while his gold jewellery and mobile phone were absent, hinting at possible robbery. The scene painted a picture of a brutal encounter in an isolated location, far from the bustling online world he inhabited.

Investigation Underway

Thai authorities, led by the Mae Sot Police Station, quickly launched an inquiry into Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's death. Superintendent Police Colonel Rang Dawadung confirmed the arrest of one suspect shortly after the body was found, but details on the individual's identity or motive remain withheld. Reports indicate police are pursuing at least two more people potentially involved, with the probe focusing on the deceptive call that drew Htwe to the site.

Forensic analysis of the scene and items is ongoing, amid speculation that the attack may tie to personal disputes or broader vulnerabilities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the area. No charges have been filed yet, and officials urge anyone with information to come forward.

As fans continue to process the loss, tributes pour in online. One commenter on his last video wrote, 'May you live a happy and beautiful life in the next life. RIP.' Another fan added, 'It hurts my heart how quickly a human life is taken away.' On X, India Forums noted that Ko Tin Zaw Htwe was 'found brutally murdered in Thailand after being allegedly lured via a social media call,' capturing the global outpouring of grief.

As of 25 January 2026, the case underscores risks for influencers in border regions.