A British man tragically drowned after falling into a canal on the first day of a holiday in Venice with his partner, an inquest has heard. Chatchawan Thongpia, a 31-year-old mechanical engineer, is believed to have lost his balance while walking around the Italian city on the evening of November 3, 2025. He was residing in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, but also had ties to Exeter.
Details of the Incident
Mr. Thongpia had traveled to Venice for a five-day trip with his partner, Samantha Lichfield. On their first night, he left their hotel to go for a walk and smoke some CBD he had purchased earlier that day. Miss Lichfield chose to remain in the hotel as they had been awake since 2:30 a.m. In a statement, she recounted that Mr. Thongpia intended to find a quiet alley to smoke without being detected. She grew increasingly anxious as time passed, not expecting him to be gone for long. She attempted to sleep but was awakened by the hotel receptionist, who informed her that the police were downstairs.
Witness Accounts and Investigation
A witness walking around Campo Santa Marina at approximately 6:30 p.m. spotted a body in the water. The witness tried to grab the person through the bars of a bridge but was unable to hold on due to the strong current. Another family on the bridge was asked to call emergency services. When Mr. Thongpia's body was recovered, efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. Italian police reported that some of his movements were captured on CCTV, but not the moment he entered the canal. Authorities believe he accidentally fell into the water, presumably after losing his balance, and was carried tens of meters by the current.
Post-Mortem Findings
A post-mortem examination revealed no injuries suggesting assault or third-party involvement. A cannabinoid was found in his system, likely consumed three hours earlier. The pathologist noted that it was possible but not probable that this impaired his motor skills. The medical cause of death was drowning. Coroner Catherine Devereux stated that police believe Mr. Thongpia may have leaned against a railing and accidentally fallen, but no one witnessed how he entered the canal. An open conclusion was recorded.
