Phuket tourist dies after resort swimming pool incident

PHUKET: A Chinese tourist was pronounced dead at Phuket International Hospital after she was recovered unconscious from a Phuket resort swimming pool yesterday morning.

Police asked the Phuket Gazette not to reveal the identity of the 61-year-old woman, who was quickly pulled out of the water by hotel staff and given CPR [cardiopulmonary resuscitation], explained Lt Charus Lempand of the Wichit Police.

Police also asked the Gazette not to name the hotel.

“The woman was taken to Patong Hospital, and later transferred to Phuket International Hospital, where she was pronounced dead,” said Lt Charus.

Police struggled to interview the family of the dead woman due to language barriers. However, hotel staff told officers that the woman was found unconscious and alone in the pool.

“Since the incident, our team has been providing assistance to the family and will continue to do so during this difficult time,” a hotel representative told the Gazette. “We would like to express our deepest sympathy to them. We respect their privacy and will not provide further comments or details at this time.”

Doctors have yet to determine the cause of death, confirmed Lt Charus.

— Kritsada Mueanghawong