A Thai model in a love triangle was found naked after allegedly being murdered by a man she was having an affair with - before he turned the gun on himself 'to escape punishment'.

Thamolwan Chaleamchaisri, also known as Nong Wan Chiap, 23, was found holding a gun in her left hand as she lay dead from a gunshot wound near her left ear at an apartment in Bangkok, Thailand, on January 22.

Police in the Huai Kwang district of the city said the prime suspect was Thamolwan's secret lover of two years Thinh Chalordet, 41, who was last seen with her at the condominium on January 20.

Thinh was married to a second woman with whom he had one child but had continued keeping Thamolwan as a mistress, supporting her each month with cash payments despite their volatile relationship.

CCTV footage showed Thinh entering the model's room with her on Saturday evening before emerging alone lugging Thamolwan's bag the following morning.

Thinh was reported to have fled to an apartment in Nonthaburi province. However, just as officers had his room surrounded, he allegedly shot himself 'to avoid prosecution'.

Footage shows officers raiding his room moments before he allegedly shot himself.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Worachai said: 'The victim was in a violent relationship. They were having a lot of emotional problems. We believe the suspect was responsible for the murder and he shot himself before he could be caught.

'We are now interviewing friends of the couple to check if anyone else was involved in their activities.'

Police questioned Thamolwan's friends Issaree, Pimolwan, and Sarocha, all 25, who discovered her body and suspected Thinh of committing the murder.

Speaking to the cops, they said they grew worried when the chronically-online Thamolwan suddenly could not be reached.

They used a keycard to open Thamolwan's condo room and were shocked to find her nude and lifeless on the bed. They added that Thamolwan had previously tried to break up Thinh who they claimed was abusive.

Police said they were further investigating Thinh, including evidence he was involved in grey businesses, and an assault charge lodged against him for attacking a DJ in Poipet, Cambodia last year.

The alleged killer's grieving widow, Thararat, said: 'I didn't know my husband had a mistress. I loved him and still do. I wish he had been faithful to me because if he did, he would still be alive.

'I don't blame him or his girlfriend, because nobody wanted this. Now my son will never have a father, but he is innocent and will suffer. I feel sad for him.'