Thousands attend funeral of LGBTQ+ TikTok influencer Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, who was found beaten to death in Thailand

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Thousands have attended the funeral of Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, a popular LGBTQ+ TikTok creator from Myanmar, who was found beaten to death in a forested area of Mae Sot, northern Thailand. The 25‑year‑old influencer, known online as Irrawaddy Ma or Ayarwaddy, had amassed close to one million followers with his vibrant dance videos, fashion clips and content celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility. 

Htwe vanished after reportedly receiving a late‑night social‑media call for help on 18 January, prompting fears among friends when he failed to return home. His body was found two days later, on 20 January, beneath a large tree in a grassy area near Pha Thong Village in Mae Sot district. Authorities said he was discovered face down, with dried blood on his head and face, and his trousers and underwear pulled down, indicating a violent assault. A blood‑stained wooden stick, believed to be the murder weapon, was found nearby. 

Items recovered at the scene included a handbag, cosmetics, a bank book, an alcohol bottle and condoms, though valuable belongings such as his gold jewellery and mobile phone were missing, leading investigators to consider robbery as a possible motive. 

Thai police confirmed that one suspect has been arrested, while at least two additional people are believed to have been involved in luring Htwe to the remote location. Officers suspect he may have trusted the individuals who contacted him, which could explain why he agreed to meet them in an isolated area. The investigation remains active as authorities analyse forensic evidence and pursue further leads. 

News of Htwe’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Southeast Asia, where he was celebrated as one of Myanmar’s few openly queer digital creators. Fans have filled the comments of his last TikTok video - posted the day before he disappeared - with messages expressing heartbreak and disbelief. Many remembered him as a joyful presence who encouraged others to embrace self‑expression.

A funeral held in Mae Sot on 24 January drew thousands of mourners, including family, friends and followers, some carrying large photographs of the late influencer. His sister was seen in tears during the procession, reflecting the profound emotional impact of the loss. 

The killing has raised renewed concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those living near border regions or navigating unstable political environments. Htwe had moved to Thailand amid ongoing unrest in Myanmar, using his platform to foster representation and connection for LGBTQ+ audiences.