PATTAYA — Authorities in Pattaya are intensifying their investigation into the mysterious disappearance of 43-year-old Methinee Julamantana, known as May, who has not been seen or heard from in more than 20 days. The case has grown increasingly troubling with the recent discovery of a human skull in Chachoengsao province, fueling fears that the remains may be linked to the missing woman.

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Methinee was last seen in Soi Buakhao, one of Pattaya’s busiest nightlife areas, and last made contact with friends and family on May 5, 2025. Relatives filed a missing person report at the Pattaya City Police Station and have made repeated public appeals for any information about her whereabouts. The disappearance has sparked widespread concern, particularly due to the troubled relationship she reportedly had with a foreign boyfriend prior to vanishing.

Reporters visited the area where Methinee was known to frequent, including a local bar in Central Pattaya. There they spoke with a friend and acquaintance of Methinee, a woman identified only as Nee, who shared details of Methinee’s turbulent relationship with a man named Petru. Described as approximately 42 years old and possibly from Beius, Romania, Petru was often seen at the bar playing pool with Methinee. Their relationship, according to Nee, was marked by frequent arguments and deep emotional tension.

Nee recounted how Methinee had called her on May 6 to discuss working together, and the following day sent a distressing message saying, “Help me, I can’t take it anymore. I can’t stay here. Can I come stay with you?” The message, which lasted only a minute, would be the last time anyone heard from her. After that call, all attempts to contact Methinee failed — messages were left unread, and her LINE account appeared blocked.

Further insights were gathered from Methinee’s former bar manager, a man identified as Mr. Noi. He confirmed that Methinee had been employed at a nearby bar for just over a month before meeting Petru. The two quickly became a fixture in the area, but their relationship soon soured. Noi said he had warned Methinee about Petru’s alleged womanizing, but despite efforts to distance herself, she continued to see him until both stopped appearing at the bar altogether.

Local vendors in Soi Buakhao who were familiar with Methinee described her as kind but visibly weighed down by the relationship. Many expressed shock at her sudden disappearance and have joined calls for information.

The mystery deepened when Methinee’s cousin released an audio clip she had sent prior to vanishing. In it, Methinee confides her fear of Petru, claiming he had served 15 years in a Romanian prison and that she no longer trusted him. She also expressed feelings of desperation and fear.

Pattaya police have acknowledged the mounting concern surrounding the case. Investigators are reviewing all possible leads and are waiting for forensic analysis to determine whether the skull found in Chachoengsao belongs to Methinee. Colonel Anek of the Pattaya City Police urged the public to be patient, emphasizing that the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness. He added that Petru is currently a person of interest, not a suspect, and authorities are actively attempting to locate him for questioning.

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As uncertainty hangs over the case, Methinee’s family and friends remain desperate for answers. Hope for her safe return persists, but with each passing day, that hope grows more fragile against the backdrop of growing unease and grim possibilities.

-Thailand News (TN)