Body found off Karon identified as Australian

PHUKET CITY: Chalong Police have confirmed that the body of a man found floating off Karon Beach yesterday is that of 31-year-old Australian Ben Douglas Richard, who went missing from a villa hotel in the Surin Beach area over the weekend.

Chalong Police investigator Boonlert Onklang told the Gazette Mr Richard had been staying at a villa owned by a friend when he went missing on Saturday.

Medical staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital have yet to determine the exact cause of death, but police say they are aware the Australian had reportedly once talked about taking his own life, Col Boonlert said.

A staff member at Baan Thai Surin Hill confirmed the man had been staying there.

“He stayed in his friend’s villa. I am not sure when he first arrived, but it seems he was here quite a long time. His relatives have already viewed the remains at Vachira Phuket Hospital and positively identified the man as their relative,” the staff member said.

Mr Richard’s remains will likely be sent to Bangkok for further examination into the cause of death after all the necessary paperwork has been completed, he added.

— Atchaa Khamlo