Plea to gays in hunt for killer of Thai masseur
By Jonathan Brown


London's gay community is being asked to help solve the murder of a Thai masseur who was strangled and stabbed at his home in Chelsea on Friday.

Niphan Trikhana, known as Nikki, may have had high-profile or celebrity clients. The 32-year-old, who had lived in England since March, 2001, could have been offering sex along with traditional massage. Police have set up a confidential hotline for his clients, staffed by a gay officer.

Two weeks ago, the Bangkok-born masseur had rented a basement bedsit in the building. His fully clothed body was on the floor and police also discovered business cards advertising his massage services. There was no sign of a break-in and it is not thought he was sexually assaulted. Officers believe he probably knew his killer and had let him in, although they are keeping an open mind on the motive.