The corpse of an 80-year-old Canadian woman has been found on Kata Beach on this resort island, with the cause of her death initially said to be heat stroke.
While talking to police, a passerby, identified as Noppadon, Said he first saw Karen Pai, the tourist, sunbathing with her face down in the morning but when he checked later in the afternoon, he discovered that her position had not changed and her body had started displaying some green bruises.
He informed lifeguards and police.
Police revealed there were no signs the woman was physically attacked. Meanwhile, a key card for the Kata Palm Resort in Karon district was found among her belongings. Police added that she checked in at the resort alone on Monday and was scheduled to check out on Thursday.
According to the police, the resort’s security camera showed her leaving her room at 10.23am on Wednesday, police said. She asked resort staff how to get to the beach and she did not look sick in the video.
The forensic department of Vachira Phuket Hospital revealed the woman had died four to six hours before doctors carried out their examination, and that the initial cause was stated to be heat stroke.
Police said a detailed autopsy would be performed. They have contacted the Canadian Embassy to inform the deceased’s family in Canada.
