Police are investigating the mystery deaths of a European couple found dead in a rented house in Thailand.

David Gerber, 47, from Zurich, Switzerland, and Rodica Gerber, 40, from Chisinau, Moldova, had arrived in the country around five months ago and settled in the two-storey rental house in Amnat Charoen province.

They had become acquainted with the locals and were reported to have been interested in starting a cannabis shop business before they were found dead in their home on October 14.

Police Captain Pongsapat Akkarapreechapong of the Phana District Police said the couple had knife wounds on their throats and arms, while blood spatters and bloody footprints marred the floor.

Rodica was found dead on the bed, while David was sprawled a few feet away on the floor in a corner of the room. Their pet poodle had also been killed and was lying stiff on its dog bed.

Police Captain Pongsapat said: 'We had to ask the landlord for a spare key because the house was locked. We found no signs of fighting or ransacking of the couple's belongings. The neighbours also said they did not hear any screaming or shouting coming from the house.'

Cops said two knives were found at the scene. The couple's bodies were taken to the Sappasitprasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani for post-mortem examinations.

The woman who discovered the carnage, Suthima Pantho, 43, a friend of the couple, said she last saw Rodica when they went to a market together on October 12.

When she texted the Moldovan to thank her, she received no reply. She said Rodica could no longer be reached, so she decided to check on her - only to uncover the gruesome scene.

The couple's friends claimed the two had been struggling financially, while other villagers said they had been involved in a cult that involved worshipping witches.

Authorities said they suspected the case was a muder-suicide, but were not ruling out other possibilities.

Meanwhile, Buddhist monks performed cleansing rites on the couple's home hoping to put their souls to rest.

Police said investigations were ongoing.