Kamala Police were notified by emergency responders at about 5:15am that a foreign woman had drowned in the swimming pool of a private villa in Kathu District.
The victim, identified as Claire Nabimanya, 22, was found face down at the bottom of the pool.
According to police, an Indian tourist who reported the incident told investigators he had arrived in Thailand on the first day of his holiday and met Ms Nabimanya at an entertainment venue on Bangla Rd. The pair reportedly drank alcohol together before returning to the villa.
The man told police they entered the swimming pool at about 4am. He said Ms Nabimanya was not a strong swimmer and that the pool, which was about two metres deep with a sloping floor, was deeper than she realised. He told officers she got into difficulty in the water and drowned.
He said he attempted to rescue her but was unsuccessful. He then left the pool and tried calling the police emergency number, 191, but was unable to get through before contacting the 1669 medical emergency hotline. Rescue workers received the call at about 4:30am.
Police inspected the scene and confirmed the pool was about two metres deep. Officers also noted there was no lifesaving equipment near the pool.
Investigators found no signs of a struggle or forced entry, and reported that the villa room was undisturbed. Police also tested the 191 emergency number using the witness’s mobile phone and confirmed they were unable to connect.
The Indian tourist was taken in for further questioning and underwent a drug test as part of standard procedure.
Ms Nabimanya’s body was sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for an autopsy. Police said they were coordinating with the Ugandan Embassy to arrange for the repatriation of her remains.
The investigation is continuing.