Update: Police have confirmed they have taken a Tunisian man in for questioning. Police have also confirmed that the woman, Chinese national Zou Ke, 34, had previously travelled to Phuket 18 times. (See further update below)
Karon Police Deputy Inspector (Investigation) Pol Lt Col M.L. Sanya Suksawat was notified of the incident at 4am.
Considering the nature of the incident, Lt Col M.L. Sanya reported the death to Karon Police Chief Pol Col Khundech Na Nongkhai and Deputy Chief Pol Lt Col Wiwat Chamnankit.
Officers arrived at a Karon beach resort to find the body of the woman, identified as 34-year-old Chinese national Zou Ke, on the ground.
The woman’s body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where forensic doctors are to perform a post-mortem examination.
Police reported that Ms Zou was staying at the resort alone, in a room on the 10th floor. **
Officers gave no indication of the circumstances that may have led to Ms Zou’s death.
Police said there were still investigating the incident.
** UPDATE: Police later confirmed in their formal report of the incident that a Tunisian man had been taken in for questioning. The man was Ms Zou’s "ex-boyfriend", who was staying in the room with Ms Zou.
The man told police that Ms Zou was in an emotional state and had attempted to jump off the balcony earlier during the night, but that he had prevented her.
The couple talked, and later while he was in the bathroom she followed upon her first attempt. He managed to grab her leg but was unable to prevent her from falling over the balcony. He immediately ran down to the reception to inform hotel staff, the man said.
Police noted that they were continuing their investigation.
If you or anyone you know is in need of emotional support and counseling, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand at their 24-hour hotline at 02-113-6789 (English & Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai).