UPDATE: Police later revealed that the woman was 80 years old and a Canadian citizen. She had checked into her hotel on Monday (Mar 3), and was to check out today (Mar 6). CCTV showed her leaving her hotel at 10:23am. She asked for directions and appeared normal.
Doctors estimate time of death four to six hours before discovery, and at this stage presume that she died of heatstroke. Her body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Pol Lt Col M.L. Sanya Suksawat, Deputy Chief of Investigation at Karon Police, was called at about 1:20pm by a lifeguard who discovered the body near the Karon Municipality Office.
Police arrived to find a crowd of onlookers had gathered around the site.
The deceased, believed to be around 50 years old, was found dressed in a swimsuit, lying face down on a beach towel on the sand. The woman’s red sandals were still by her feet and her black waist bag was still beside her head.
Officers noted that the deceased had red rashes on her back and legs. However, an initial examination found no signs of a struggle or physical assault.
Police said they have contacted a forensic specialist from Vachira Phuket Hospital for a preliminary examination. The body has since been transferred to the hospital for further investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
Officials have not yet released the woman’s identity pending notification of her family. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.