Kiwi bar owner found dead in Phuket

PHUKET: A Phuket bar operator from New Zealand died early Sunday morning from apparent heart failure.

Kathu Police duty officer Jongserm Preecha identified the deceased as Paul Allen, 58.

Mr Allen’s body was found at his rented home on Nanai Road by his female companion, Usa Kallaya, 32.

The couple married two years ago and opened the KP Bar, located in the OTOP Plaza complex off Rat-U-Thit Road, Mrs Usa told police.

That evening Mr Allen went out and bought two large pizzas, one for himself and the other for his staff.

He then went to the couple’s shared home early, complaining of tightness in his chest.

When Ms Usa returned home at about 4:20am, she found Mr Allen’s body face up in bed, dressed only in shorts.

Police noted a bottle of heart medication in the room.

Mr Allen’s relatives back home have been informed of his passing, New Zealand consular staff have confirmed.

Mr Allen was well-loved by staff and patrons at the KP Bar, Ms Usa said.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan