Russian found dead in Phuket City apartment

PHUKET CITY: Mystery surrounds the death of a Russian man who missed his flight out of Thailand on Wednesday and was found dead in his apartment yesterday afternoon.

Lt Col Wijak Tarom, Phuket City Police Inspector for Investigations, identified the deceased as Oleg Syrus, 38.

Col Wijak was alerted to Mr Syrus’ death at 4:30 pm by the management of Thanaporn Apartments on Suthat Rd Soi 2, where the deceased was living in a one-room apartment.

Mr Syrus, naked except for a towel, was found lying face-up on his bed with his legs dangling down to the floor. The sheets beneath him were covered with dried blood.

However, police do not suspect foul play in the death.

“We didn’t find any evidence of robbery or assault. His packed suitcase was still in his room and there was no evidence that anyone had tried to tamper with it,” Col Wijak said.

Other tenants in the apartment block said that Mr Syrus had lived in Thailand since 2005 and was an alcoholic, Col Wijak said.

A local source told the Gazette that Mr Syrus had worked with two Russian tour companies during his time in Thailand. Many business cards of Russian tour companies were found in his room, including one for Royal Andaman Express, where Mr Syrus was Marketing Manager years ago.

Blood samples were sent to a local hospital for analysis to confirm the cause of death, he said.

Col Wijak said that Mr Syrus had missed his flight out of Thailand on Wednesday morning after apparently arriving at the airport late. He was last seen returning to his apartment.