According to his secretary, Mr Thalerngsak checked into the hotel about 2pm on Saturday (Sept 2), with plans to attend an event at Jungceylon Department Store at 5:30pm and have dinner at the Chao Le restaurant in the hotel around 7:30pm. However, it was later learned that he did not leave his room that night.
Concerns grew when his driver tried to contact Mr Thalerngsak at about 9:30am yesterday, but received no response.
Around 12:30pm, the driver and hotel staff entered the room and found him unresponsive on the bed
Patong Police reported that their initial investigation suggested that the likely cause of death was a sudden cardiac arrest, possibly related to a congenital heart condition. Mr Thalerngsak had a history of hypertension and high cholesterol.
Regardless, a post-mortem examination will be conducted to confirm the cause of the death.
Meanwhile, arrangements for his body to be moved to Wat Makrut in Khok Pho District, Pattani Province, for his funeral are already being announced. Funeral prayers are to begin on Wednesday (Sept 6).