Police from Bophut Police Station were called to the resort after Peter Stefan Reichwald, 67, was found seriously injured in his room, apparently beaten over the head with a blunt instrument. He was still conscious but was having trouble breathing or speaking.
In the room police found lying on the bed a loaded .357 revolver, which his wife, who lives in Bangkok, confirmed was his. Some of Mr Reichwald’s valuables, including his iPhone, notebook computer and safe box, were gone. The attacker, however, left behind some gold jewellery belonging to Mr Reichwald.
An employee of the resort confirmed that Mr Reichwald had been living there for more than three years. He was discovered after he rang the management to say his air conditioner was not working. A couple of hours later, when staff went to the room to fix it, they found him lying on the floor.
He was taken to Bangkok Hospital Samui, where he lapsed into unconsciousness, and continues in that state.
Police have found that he was involved in a number of businesses in Koh Samui, and are investigating two possibilities – his money-lending business and a dispute over a wall he built between his land and a neighbour’s. They are also investigating the possibility of a romantic conflict.