Danish tourist dies of suspected pain killer overdose

KATHU: A Danish tourist was found dead in his bed yesterday afternoon at the Delight Village bungalow resort, near the Prince of Songkla University in Tung Tong.

Tung Tong District Police Inspector Lt Col Kittipong Klai Kaew identified the deceased as 37-year-old Kenneth Schou Rodnes.

Police suspect Mr Rodnes died around 8 pm on Tuesday from an accidental overdose of pain killers taken for a severe headache.

Mr Rodnes and a Thai woman who identified herself as his wife checked into their room at Delight Village about 10 days ago.

The woman then returned to her native Udon Thani for the Songkran holiday, leaving him to stay there alone, Col Kittipong said.

The woman told police that she called Mr Rodnes at 6 pm on Monday, when Mr Rodnes said he was suffering from a bad headache and needed to sleep. On her return about 1.30 pm yesterday, she discovered Mr Rodnes dead in the room, he said.

Mr Rodnes’ body has been sent to Patong Hospital for examination to reveal the exact cause of death. However, police found no evidence suggesting foul play, Col Kittipong added.

He declined to name the woman, but said that she claimed to be legally married abroad to Mr Rodnes.

Danish Honorary Consul in Phuket Kennerth Karlsson said he was unsure how long Mr Rodnes had been in Thailand, but suspected he may have been a long-term resident.

Mr Rodnes’ family in Denmark had been notified, he said, adding that they do not plan to travel to Thailand to claim the body and have requested his remains be returned to Denmark.