Japanese tourist drowns at Koh Hey

CHALONG: A Japanese tourist, Makoto Kato, drowned at Koh Hey Island this afternoon, not long after eating his first meal on the island. Pol Maj Sanae Panmee of Chalong Police Station said, “The victim’s guide told us that Mr Kato ate lunch, during which time he drank some beer, and then went snorkeling. “We still don’t know exactly how he drowned because we haven’t done an autopsy yet. We’re not sure if he was ill, but he looked quite old,” said Maj Sanae, who added that he did not know how old the victim was. Mr Kato arrived in Phuket yesterday with a tour group and was staying at the Patong Merlin Hotel.