Thai authorities are investigating the deaths of two foreign tourists—an American and an Austrian—in separate incidents at resort destinations in Chonburi and Phuket. Police say the cases are unrelated, and both investigations remain ongoing as forensic teams work to determine the causes of death.
American Tourist Found Dead in Chonburi
Police in Sattahip district, Chonburi, reported that a 69-year-old American man, identified as Walsh, was discovered deceased inside his hotel room on December 1. Officers said the room was locked from the inside and showed no signs of disorder.
According to investigators, hotel security cameras captured the man arriving alone at 4:14 p.m. and checking in normally. He had parked his pickup truck in the hotel’s rear lot before heading to his room on the sixth floor. CCTV cameras on that floor were not functioning at the time, police noted.
Forensic officers collected fingerprints and other evidence from the room. The body has been sent to the Police General Hospital’s forensic institute for an official examination to clarify the cause of death. Police emphasized that, at this early stage, they are keeping all possibilities open and awaiting laboratory results before drawing conclusions.
Hotel staff told officers that the man had not reported any unusual concerns and had interacted normally prior to the discovery. Authorities have not yet released further details pending the forensic assessment.
Austrian Tourist Dies in Phuket
In Phuket, police responded early Tuesday to the death of a 62-year-old Austrian tourist who collapsed in his hotel room in the Karon area. He had been staying at the property with his wife since November 21 and was scheduled to check out on December 6.
The man’s wife told investigators that the couple had gone out for dinner in Kata the evening before, and her husband appeared to be in good health. She said he later stayed up in the room while she went to bed, and she discovered him unresponsive early the next morning.
Hotel staff contacted emergency services, but the man could not be revived. Police said there were no indications of foul play based on the initial inspection. The body has been sent for an autopsy to determine the medical cause of death.
Authorities Continue Investigations
Officials in both provinces stressed that the cases are separate and that early findings do not point to any connection between them. Forensic results from Bangkok and Phuket are expected to help clarify what happened in each incident.
Thai authorities routinely investigate all foreign tourist deaths to ensure transparency and to notify embassies promptly. Both the U.S. and Austrian embassies have been informed.
Police say additional updates will be released once forensic examinations and witness statements are fully reviewed.
