American man found dead in Phuket gas suicide
Neighbours were left horrified after discovering a 73 year old American man dead in his Phuket home in what appears to be a disturbing suicide involving cooking gas and a plastic bag.
Police are investigating the bizarre death of a foreigner found lifeless in his Patong residence yesterday, April 9, with evidence pointing to intentional inhalation of gas as the cause.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Rapiphan Chumtham of Patong Police Station received the report at around 6.35pm yesterday, prompting an immediate response.
Police Colonel Chalermchai Hirasawat, Superintendent of Patong Police, coordinated with forensic officers from Vachira Phuket Hospital and rescue workers from the Kusontham Foundation to inspect the scene at Soi Na Nai 9, in Patong, Kathu district.
Upon arrival, officers found the body of 73 year old American national, Martin Neilgrego, lying motionless on the floor of his home.
A plastic bag had been placed over his head, and a gas line from a nearby cooking gas tank had been deliberately inserted into the bag. Police and medical staff concluded the man had inhaled gas in a suspected suicide.
The forensic doctor at the scene estimated that Neilgrego had been dead for between 12 to 24 hours before the discovery. Authorities believe the method and setup indicate the act was planned.
A woman named Buarian, who first discovered the body, said she became suspicious after noticing the man lying unusually still in his home.
“I shouted to call out to him, but there was no response. When I checked, I realised he had died.”
She immediately alerted the police, who arrived soon after to secure the scene.
Neilgrego’s body was later handed over to Kusontham Foundation staff to be transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a formal autopsy to confirm the cause of death, reported Amarin TV.
Police have recorded the incident as a likely suicide and are coordinating with the American embassy to inform the man’s relatives so arrangements can be made for funeral proceedings.
If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.
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