David Carradine's Death May Be Thai-Hooker-Related

There are new and startling revelations in the investigation into the death of David Carradine today. The "Kung Fu" and "Kill Bill" star was first believed to have committed suicide, but after you read this, you'll be thinking "murder..."

Thai authorities first claimed the actor had hung himself in his Bangkok hotel room, but his agent loudly and consistently disputed that, saying that the facts did not support that suspicion. Then, earlier today, it was announced that Carradine had been found with rope around his neck and genitals, suggesting auto-erotic asphyxiation gone wrong... and, in a way, an accidental suicide.

But that's all in doubt now:

Chuck Binder, Carradine's manager, tells us he firmly believes Carradine did not take his own life -- nor does he think David died accidentally. Binder says the family has been told Carradine's hands were immobilized by the rope. [TMZ]

Thailand and its tourism industry have one very good reason to try to make this seem like a suicide-- especially if it turns out that, say, a hooker didn't save the john in time and ran away. And if Carradine's hands were definitely tied behind his back, this couldn't be a suicide...