Police investigate death of British man found in Pattaya canal

Thai police are investigating the mysterious death of a British expat found dead yesterday morning face down in the Najomtien drainage canal in Pattaya.

Richard Wayne Moorcroft is believed to have slipped when out jogging, banged his head, knocked himself unconscious, and slid into the canal.

The 63 year old was dressed in jogging clothing when he was found at 7am yesterday.

Police and paramedics arrived to pull the former Rolls Royce grinding operator from Derby out of the water and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A local food vendor, Boonpluak Saengkaew, said she knew Moorcroft well and had lived in Pattaya for quite a while.

The 60 year old woman revealed she saw the English man exercising every day, adding he would stretch using the railing next to the canal. She speculated that is how he fell down the drainage ditch.

“The foreign man was friendly. I saw him every morning because he liked to jog. He often bought lunch from me.”

Lieutenant Colonel Pongsawat Momungkhun from the Jomtien district police station announced…

“We received notification of a foreigner floating in the canal which drains water into the sea.

“The water was about 50 centimetres deep and the victim was identified as a British man, Richard Wayne Moorcroft, who was 63-years-old.

“The corpse was lying face down in the water, wearing a green shirt, and brown shorts, and blue sports shoes.

“A physical examination revealed no wounds or signs of murder or assault.

“It is estimated that he had been dead at least three hours.

“Officers examined the evidence and found a driver’s licence and ATM card.”

Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail. Police wrap the body of Richard Wayne Moorcroft.

Happier times fishing for Richard Wayne Moorcroft.

Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail: A local food vendor, Boonpluak Saengkaew, speculates where the British man slipped and fell.

SOURCE: Pattaya Mail Daily Mirror