Media reports say the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) is aware of an incident involving a New Zealander in Thailand.
The individual, identified only as Hamish, a 40-year-old man, has been spoken to by Thai police following the death of his Thai girlfriend, Chatchaya, aged 33, in Phuket.
An investigation has been initiated by the Phuket Provincial Police, but as of now, no arrests have been made. The couple, who were staying at the One World One Home Patong 2 Hotel in Phuket, were reportedly seen arguing near the hotel’s rooftop swimming pool on January 6.
The accomodation is located near prominent tourist attractions including Patong Beach, Phuket Simon Cabaret, and the Jungceylon Shopping Centre.
Eyewitness accounts state that Hamish was seen carrying an unconscious Chatchaya from the rooftop pool area to the reception, where he requested the staff to call an ambulance.
Hotel staff then contacted the Kusoldham Foundation, and Chatchaya was rushed to Patong Hospital. She was pronounced dead around 2 pm, approximately 30 minutes after arrival.
Further reports indicate that after the incident Hamish returned to his room to take a shower. About half an hour later, he told hotel staff he planned to visit Chatchaya in the hospital. Police have since sealed off the swimming pool area and Hamish’s room.
Mfat has acknowledged being aware of the media reports regarding the incident. The New Zealand man, who was on a holiday in Phuket, is not a resident of Thailand.
The investigation is ongoing, and the full names of the couple have been withheld by the police pending the investigation.
Image credit: Mikk Tõnissoo
