Mysterious death of a tourist in Phuket: alcohol and medication involved?

Mysterious death of a tourist in Phuket: alcohol and medication involved?

On October 27, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Phuket, near Kata Beach, that moved the minds of residents and tourists alike. A 47-year-old New Zealand tourist was found dead in her hotel room. The emergency call reached Karon police at 2:45 p.m. after the hotel reception sounded the alarm. Forensic specialists and a doctor were immediately called to the scene, where the woman lay motionless on her bed with no visible injuries or signs of a struggle. How Weekly flash Reportedly, investigators found prescription medications, including antidepressants, as well as three open cans of alcohol and two cocktail glasses on the bedside table.

A 49-year-old German companion who was traveling with the deceased reported that they spent time in a bar in Kata and consumed a lot of alcohol. According to his accounts, they returned to the hotel around 1 a.m. where they had a drink in their room before going to sleep. The next afternoon, the German woke up and was horrified to find that the woman was no longer breathing. Hotel staff on duty immediately attempted to resuscitate her, but any help came too late for the tourist. A doctor diagnosed death and the forensic examination revealed that it must have occurred between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m.

Investigations and results

Preliminary investigations suggest that a deadly combination of medication and excessive alcohol consumption may have caused the woman to stop breathing. Drug tests and physical examinations on the German companion came back negative, and surveillance cameras confirmed the timeline of events. The body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for an autopsy to clarify further information.

Phuket, as Thailand's largest island, has a lot to offer tourists: from beautiful beaches to exciting water sports activities and a lively nightlife. However, how Travel Safe Abroad notes, it is important to keep some safety aspects in mind when traveling to Phuket. The island's safety index is 45 out of 100, with an overall risk level of medium. In busy tourist areas, especially in Patong and Phuket City, caution is advised to prevent pickpocketing.

Tips for travelers

As a traveler in Phuket, a certain amount of caution and some basic safety precautions are advisable. It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance to cover medical costs and possible theft. The official currency is the Thai Baht, and the best exchange rates can be found at local banks such as Kasikom Bank or Siam Commercial Bank. Opportunities for swimming, diving or just relaxing on the beach are a dime a dozen - the island's most popular beaches, such as Patong Beach or the Phi Phi Islands, are always worth a visit.

The fantastic temperatures in Phuket are around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius all year round, making the island a year-round travel destination. With a variety of activities and attractions, Phuket attracts tourists from all over the world, but it remains important to be aware of the potential risks and always keep your own safety in mind.