Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's sudden, unnatural death left his loved ones devastated. Here's everything we know about him and the suspects of his murder.
Myanmar TikToker and influencer, Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, was found dead under mysterious circumstances on January 20, 2026. Three days after the tragic incident, the Bangkok Post reported on it. Ko Tin Zaw Htwe was just 25 years old at the time of his demise. The creator who spread happiness with his fun content was robbed of his smile much too early. His death left his family, friends, and close acquaintances heartbroken. Investigators suspected it to be a murder, and according to recent updates, a suspect has been identified and arrested. Here's everything you need to know about him.
Ko Tin Zaw Htwe (1999–2026) was a prominent Myanmar TikTok influencer and LGBTQ+ creator who was discovered dead in Thailand in January 2026. Ko Tin was also known online as Ayeyarwady Ma or Irrawaddy Ma. At just 25 years old, he had amassed nearly one million followers on TikTok (estimates range from 800,000 to over 950,000). Ko Tin's content focused on lifestyle, dancing, and fashion. He was widely regarded as an inspiring figure for the Myanmar LGBTQ+ community, noted for his openness and confidence. His death left his loved ones curious as to what led someone to kill him.
Ko Tin Zaw Htwe was assassinated, and his body was found hidden in the grass under a large tree in a forest in Mae Sot district, Tak Province, Thailand. According to police reports, he was beaten to death. The TikTok creator suffered severe head injuries and multiple stab wounds to his body, including his neck. A blood-stained wooden stick was also found near the scene, which is suspected to be the murder weapon. Regarding how Ko Tin Zaw Htwe found himself in such a plight, he was reportedly summoned to the location via a mysterious phone call seeking help via social media.
Ko Tin's friends shared that the 25-year-old left his home on the night of January 19, 2026, after receiving a mysterious social media call for help. He went home to meet the caller but never returned. On knowing about the incident, the police suspected the murder was a planned attack. The influencer's gold jewelry and phones were missing, suggesting robbery as a possible motive. Recently, an arrest has been made in connection with Ko Tin's death.
As of January 24, 2026, Thai authorities have identified and detained one suspect in connection with Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's unnatural death. The investigation, led by Mae Sot police, currently indicates that more than one perpetrator might have been involved in the case. While one person is in custody, the police have not yet released the suspect's identity or specific details. Investigators believe the perpetrators were likely individuals Ko Tin Zaw Htwe trusted, as he had immediately rushed to the remote location after receiving a call for help from one of the individuals responsible for his death.
Authorities are continuing to track leads and have mentioned they are hunting for a total of two suspects believed to be involved in luring and killing Ko Tin Zaw Htwe. As the news of the tragic incident became public, tributes poured in for the TikToker. "It hurts my heart how quickly a human life is taken away," an online user wrote. Another expressed their condolences by writing, "I'm sorry, may God bless you." A third stated, "May you live a happy and beautiful life in the next life. RIP." Ko Tin's last social media post was shared on January 19, 2025, when he uploaded a TikTok video lip-syncing to a popular song while showing off a new T-shirt.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Ko Tin Zaw Htwe's family as they deal with his loss.
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