PM offers condolences to slain Japanese tourist

Tomoko Kawashita, 27, from Osaka was found stabbed to death near the ruins of the kingdom's ancient capital Sukhothai.

"The prime minister has expressed his profound sorrow over the incident. Thailand and Japan have enjoyed long and cordial ties, and such an incident should never have happened," Tourism Minister Suvit Yodmanee told reporters.

"The prime minister has also apologised to the family of the deceased," he added.

Kawashita's parents, Yasuaki and Keiko Kawashita, arrived in Bangkok to identify her body Tuesday morning. They plan to return to Japan with her remains Wednesday, he said.

Thai police said they have 60 officers investigating the case, and have offered a Bt30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Kawashita's killer.