Pol Lt Col Chana Suthidet of Karon police said the body of Simon Ashley, a tourist from Australia, was found dead by his motorbike on Patak Rd, between Patong and Karon near Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort .
Police believe he was driving his motorbike, lost control, and fell down – hitting his head and breaking his neck.
Nearby was a motorbike helmet, which police believe Mr Ashley was wearing at the time but did not have securely fastened.
His body was taken to Vachira Hospital. Police said Australian Honorary Consul Larry Cunningham had been informed of the crash.