German man found dead in Phuket home

PATONG: A German man passed away at his rented home in Patong over the weekend.

Kathu police Pol Maj Jongserm Preecha identified the deceased as Josef Stefan Distler, age 68.

The body of the late Mr Distler was discovered at 9pm Sunday by the owner of the Ban Dok Din rental homes on Soi Veerakit, off Nanai Road.

The deceased was found lying on the bed.

Bloodstains were found on the mattress and pillow, but police found no signs of struggle or foul play in the room.

They estimated the time of passing at about six hours before the discovery of the body.

Mr Distler’s remains were sent to Vachira Phuket Hosptial for examination.

The case officer said he thought the cause of Mr Distler’s death was likely respiratory disease related to his advancing age.

The owner of the home said Mr Distler had lived there for five or six years.

He described him as a quiet man who seldom went out.

— Sitthipong Nongkaew