Officers from Patong Police were notified of the incident at 6:57am, after a report was received that a foreign tourist had jumped from a building near Patong Tower on Thaweewong Rd.
Police and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find the body of a man later identified as a 74-year-old United States national*, lying on the ground beside the building. He was wearing a yellow short-sleeved shirt and black shorts.
Initial examination revealed multiple injuries, including trauma to the hip, fractured ribs and a severely deformed right ankle, consistent with a fall from height.
According to police, a hotel security guard, Sukri Maetae, told officers that he was patrolling the area at about 6:30am when he heard a loud noise. Upon checking, he discovered the man lying unresponsive and alerted hotel staff.
A receptionist, Ekachai Maisri, told police that the American man had been staying in the building for around two years, periodically travelling back to the United States. He added that the man had been due to return to the US today and had previously spoken about suffering from a chronic illness, expressing concerns that he might not have much time left.
In the man’s room, officers found several handwritten notes and letters detailing his cancellation of his return flight to the US today (Mar 26), along with instructions of what to do with his belongings.
A forensic doctor from Vachira Phuket Hospital, Dr Tulwich Wannasri, conducted a preliminary examination at the scene. The body has since been transferred for a post-mortem, recorded under case number 21/2569.
Police confirmed that there were no immediate signs of foul play or theft. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and continuing inquiries as part of standard procedure.
Patong Police have also begun coordinating with relevant authorities to notify the deceased’s relatives and contact the US Embassy to facilitate further arrangements.
* The Phuket News is withholding the man’s name until it has been confirmed that his family have been notified.
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