Russian tourist found dead in Phuket hotel room

PHUKET: Police are investigating the cause of death of a Russian tourist whose body was discovered in his Karon hotel room on Saturday.

The tourist, Yury Kiryukhin, 36, was to check out on Saturday and fly home.

Staff at the Baan Karonburi Resort discovered Mr Kiryukhin’s body on the bed in his room at 8:30am, said Karon Police case investigator Capt Channarong Prakongkua.

Officers found no signs of a struggle in the room.

“Hotel staff said Mr Kiryukhin checked in on September 28 and was to check out on October 12,” said Capt Channarong said.

Mr Kiryukhin was to celebrate his 37th birthday on October 26.

“We believe he died about five hours before we arrived,” Capt Channarong said.

“We found medical pills on the bed. At this stage, we believe Mr Kiryukhin had a pre-existing medical condition that most likely caused his death,” he added.

The pills found next to Mr Kiryukhin’s body have been sent for expert analysis.

“We hope this may explain the cause of death,” Capt Channarong said.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong