A young Thai mum who had been missing for two days was found dead - floating in a canal wearing only lingerie.

Farida Sopa, 28, was discovered lifeless in the water in the Tha Maka District of Kanchanaburi province, Thailand, on October 25.

Concerned villagers said they called authorities after finding a motorcycle drifting in the canal without its driver. After a more thorough search, they found Farida's corpse some 300 metres away from the two-wheeler.

Her hair was cut short and she was wearing only a black bra and underwear. She is believed to have been dead for at least 48 hours.

Police said the mum-of-two had left her daughters aged eight and nine at home to work in a bar on October 23. However, she never returned and could no longer be contacted.

Police Major General Phairot Khumphai, commander of the Kanchanaburi provincial police, said: 'Investigators are gathering evidence to solve the case. We have not ruled out anything yet.'

Officers are investigating a nearby shed where they found a blood-stained blue blanket, branches, and some black wire. They have gathered the objects as evidence.

The cause of death is still unclear as Farida's body was found in a state of decomposition.

Police said they are considering adultery or personal grudges as possible motives for the crime.

Farida's body has been turned over to forensic officers for an autopsy.