Jidarat told Khao Suan Kwang police deputy superintendent Pol Lt-Colonel Supakrit Suwanrat on Wednesday morning that she was in Bangkok when the crime took place, although she admitted that the other suspects had travelled to see her.

Her lawyer Pibul Charoensuk said he had submitted a request to police investigators for Jidarat’s bail.

A police source said Jidarat might be allowed out on bail because the investigation had not indicated that she was involved in the killing and she had given useful information in the case.

Following the discovery of the body of Warisara Klinjui, 22, who was cut in two and put in buckets buried in a forest area in Khon Kaen’s Khao Suan Kwang district, police identified four suspects – Priyanuch Nonwangchai, 24, Wasin Namprom, 22, Kawita Rachada, 26, and Jidarat.

Warisara, Priyanuch, Kawita and Jidarat are believed to have worked together at a karaoke bar. Police have also indicated that Warisara might have provided information to authorities about a drugs case that contributed to one of the other women’s boyfriends going to jail, which could have been a motive in the killing.

Wasin and Jidarat are already in custody and Wasin has been brought for a re-enactment at the crime scene at a resort in Khon Kaen.

He reportedly admitted to being at the site but denied involvement in the killing and dismemberment.

Priyanuch and Kawita remained at large on Wednesday after they crossed into Myanmar last Thursday via Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai border before arrest warrants were issued.

An arrest warrant for Apiwan Sattayabundit, 28, who fled along with the two others, has also been issued.

The three women’s seven-day border passes will expire today allowing Myanmar authorities to arrest them on the charges of overstay without having to wait for coordination on the murder charges in Thailand, according to Chiang Rai Immigration chief Pol Colonel Ekkorn Bussababodin.