“Bagged’ American may have been murdered: Phuket Police

PHUKET: Phuket Police have not ruled out foul play in the investigation into the death of an American man whose body was found in his holiday apartment near Karon Beach earlier today.

Chalong Police Duty Officer Attawat Suwannarat told the Phuket Gazette that a maid at the Mountain Seaview Apartment resort found the guest dead in his room just after midday.

He identified the deceased as Joshua Steven Weitz, age 39.

“We were notified of the death at about 1pm. We arrived to find him sitting on his sofa. There was a plastic bag over his head,” Lt Attawat said.

Attached to the clear plastic bag was a hose connected to a dive tank, reported one rescue worker.

Police did not allow the body to be moved for more than four hours while officers inspected the scene.

“We believe he died of asphyxiation, but at this stage we do not know whether it was suicide or murder. We are continuing our investigation,” Lt Attawat said.

He added that witnesses have told police that Mr Weitz was last seen two days ago.

Mr Weitz’s body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital at about 5:30 this afternoon, where it will be examined further, he added.

— Atchaa Khamlo