Thai Man Denies Role in Death of British Tourist on Koh Samui

KOH SAMUI — A 21-year-old Thai man has denied any involvement in the death of a British tourist at a hotel on Koh Samui, saying he did not provide drugs to the victim, as police continue to investigate whether the case involved a drug overdose or a robbery.

Police said a 28-year-old British man was pronounced dead early Friday after he and a friend were found unconscious in a room at a luxury hotel on the island. Another British tourist was found unresponsive but survived.

According to a preliminary investigation, one of the tourists, identified by police as Kris, 28, returned to the shared hotel room at about 2:35 a.m. with a 21-year-old transgender woman he had met at an entertainment venue. About 30 minutes later, the second tourist, Luke, 28, arrived with a Thai man. Police said the transgender woman later left the room.

About 15 minutes later, Kris went to the hotel reception and reported that about 1,500 pounds ($1,900) in cash was missing, alleging it had been taken by the transgender woman. He then collapsed and lost consciousness, prompting hotel staff to alert police.

Officers responding to the scene found Luke unconscious in the room. He was not breathing and received cardiopulmonary resuscitation before being taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:53 a.m., police said.

On December 20, forensic officers from Regional Forensic Science Center 8 examined the hotel room, collecting DNA samples, fingerprints and chemical evidence as part of the investigation.

Authorities said they are trying to determine whether the case involved a drug overdose or a crime in which the tourists were drugged in order to steal their belongings.

Pol. Col. Kantchawit Phothiprasit, superintendent of Bophut Police Station, said the exact cause of death has not yet been determined. The body has been sent to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok for an autopsy, with results expected within about one month. He said investigators have not yet been able to question Kris due to his condition.

The Thai man who accompanied Luke, a 21-year-old former boxer, told investigators he was unaware of what happened and denied providing drugs to the tourists, police said.

Investigators also questioned the transgender woman and released her after taking her statement.

________

The post Thai Man Denies Role in Death of British Tourist on Koh Samui appeared first on Khaosod English.