A British businessman has been found dead in a canal on the popular holiday island of Phuket, Thailand, following CCTV footage that showed him pacing restlessly outside his hotel. The body was discovered on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in a public drainage canal near Bang Tao Beach.
Discovery of the Body
A Burmese worker harvesting morning glory vegetables came across the body at approximately 12:30 PM on Saturday and immediately alerted the local police station. Officers arrived to find the man lying face down in the canal, with his body showing signs of bloating from prolonged submersion.
Lieutenant Colonel Thongchai Matitham of the Choeng Thale Police Station provided details, stating that the deceased was barefoot, wearing a grey shirt and black pants. Initial checks revealed no visible signs of assault, suggesting no obvious foul play at the scene.
Evidence and Identification
An iPhone 17 was found on the bank nearby, which had not fallen into the water, and no other valuables were located. A key card for the CoCo Hotel was discovered in the man's pocket, which helped authorities identify him. Hotel records indicated he had checked in alone and was scheduled to check out on March 13, but staff reported he never completed the checkout process.
CCTV Footage Analysis
CCTV footage from the hotel area showed the businessman appearing restless and moving back and forth in front of the establishment before leaving. His movements eventually led to the location where his body was later found, according to police reports.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are currently awaiting autopsy results from Vachira Phuket Hospital to determine the exact cause of death and whether any drugs were present in his system. The investigation remains active as officials piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident.
This case has drawn attention due to the mysterious circumstances and the victim's status as a foreign national in a tourist-heavy area. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available from the ongoing police inquiry and medical examinations.
