Pakistani tourist found dead in resort swimming pool

PHUKET: A Pakistani woman found in emotional distress by hotel staff early this morning was later pulled unconscious from a resort pool and pronounced dead at Thalang Hospital.

Staff at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa in Mai Khao recovered Shumyla Mir, 26, from a pool at the resort at about 4:15am.

“Her body was later taken to Thalang Hospital, where doctors confirmed that she had drowned,” said Maj Santi Prakobpran of the Tah Chat Chai Police.

Police have determined that no foul play was involved in the death.

“We found no evidence of foul play or other behavior that could be construed as criminal,” Maj Santi said.

Mrs Mir was staying at the hotel with her American husband, Altamash Jamal Mir.

“During their stay, Mr Mir found out that Mrs Mir was still in contact with an ex-boyfriend through Facebook,” Maj Santi told the Phuket Gazette.

“The couple argued, then Mr Mir moved to another room, leaving Mrs Mir alone in her room.”

A hotel staffer found a tearful Mrs Mir sitting outside her room at about 2:30am.

“The staffer saw light wounds on her arms, which looked like they had been cut with a sharp object,” Maj Santi said.

“Mrs Mir refused help and refused to rest in her room. Instead, she asked for help in finding her husband.”

While looking for Mr Mir, the staffer and Mrs Mir were caught in a heavy downpour near the resort pool.

“She refused to come in out of the rain, so the staffer went to get an umbrella for her,” Maj Santi said. “The staffer return minutes later and found Mrs Mir in the pool.”

Staff recovered Mrs Mir from the pool and administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until a rescue team arrived and rushed her to Thalang Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

“There will be no further investigation as Mr Mir has not questioned the circumstances of his wife’s death,” Maj Santi said. “Arrangements are being made to return Mrs Mir’s body to Pakistan for her funeral.”

The Pakistani embassy in Bangkok has been notified of the incident, he added.

“Every member of the staff at the hotel wishes to offer their condolences. Our thoughts are with the family of the guest at this very difficult time,” said a statement issued by JW Marriot to the Gazette.

“As soon as we became aware of the matter, we immediately contacted the emergency services who attended the scene. We are working closely with local authorities on the investigations, but as a matter of guest privacy we do not discuss the details of our guests.

“The safety and security of our guests is one of our top priorities.”

— Kritsada Mueanhawong