Corpse found in Phuket coconut grove

PHUKET: Police have yet to rule out foul play after a decomposed corpse was found in a Mai Khao coconut plantation yesterday evening.

A local resident cutting grass at the site discovered the remains at about 6pm, said Lt Thanom Thongpan of the Tah Chat Chai Police.

“When we arrived, there were quite a few locals at the scene trying to identify the body, but none of them knew who it was,” he told the Phuket Gazette.

Officers believe that the man died about 15 days before his body was found. The body was dressed in a black t-shirt with trousers pulled down to the knees.

“We have yet to determine the cause of death,” confirmed Lt Thanom. “The man might have been bitten by a poisonous animal, or even suffered a heart attack.

“However, we have yet to dismiss foul play.”

The body was taken to Thalang Hospital to determine the cause of death.

“In the meantime, we will continue our investigation, and check with other police stations for any reports of a missing person,” said Lt Thanom.

— Thawit Bilabdullar