TikTok Star Found Brutally Murdered in Thai Forest as Second Influencer Dies
A beloved TikTok star with nearly one million followers has reportedly been found brutally beaten to death in a forest in Thailand, sending shockwaves through social media communities. The tragic incident coincides with the separate passing of another prominent Indonesian influencer, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by online creators.
Details of the Tragic Discovery
Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, a 25-year-old from Myanmar who gained fame online under the names Irrawaddy or Ayarwaddy, was discovered deceased on January 20 in a wooded area of the Mae Sot district in Thailand. According to reports from the Thai publication Thairath, police found his body with dried blood on his face and a blood-stained wooden stick nearby, which is believed to be the murder weapon.
Htwe was described as one of the few openly queer creators from Myanmar, known for his vibrant content that included:
- Dancing clips that garnered millions of views
- Product reviews and fashion showcases
- Participation in popular social media trends
The Superintendent of Mae Sot Police Station confirmed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with Htwe's death, though the investigation remains ongoing. A source revealed that Htwe left his home in the Thai border town of Mae Sot on January 18 after receiving a phone call in the middle of the night and never returned.
Final Moments and Community Mourning
Htwe's last video was shared on January 19, just one day before his tragic death, showing him dancing excitedly while showcasing his new 'elephant jacket.' The news has devastated his fans and friends, who have been sharing heartfelt tributes across social media platforms.
One friend described him as 'kind hearted' in a touching Facebook post, while another wrote: 'His heart was so pure ... I feel so sad.' Another tribute recalled their time working together in a Yangon coffee shop before Htwe's rise to fame, mentioning how he would share snacks after closing time.
Second Influencer Tragedy Emerges
In a separate but equally tragic development, social media is also coming to grips with the passing of Indonesian influencer Lula Lahfah. The 26-year-old content creator died on January 23, according to CNN reports. Police confirmed that an influencer with the same initials as Lahfah was found dead at an apartment in the Dharmawangsa region of South Jakarta that day.
Metro Jaya Police's head of public relations, Kombes Budi Hermanto, stated: 'It's true that an influencer with the initials LL was found dead at the Essence Dharmawangsa Apartment. The victim was found by security officers at around 6:44 PM WIB on Friday, January 23, 2026.'
Investigators are currently processing the crime scene and coordinating with the family. Reports indicate that Lahfah had allegedly suffered health issues weeks prior and was hospitalised on New Year's due to physical discomfort. Her boyfriend's musical group, Weird Genius, cancelled a show citing 'unfortunate news' involving a band member.
Lahfah had millions of followers online, where she shared content about fashion, fitness, beauty and lifestyle topics. The consecutive tragedies have sparked conversations about safety and mental health within influencer communities worldwide.
