Phuket motorbike taxi driver found dead in canal

PHUKET: Police are investigating the death of man whose body was found in a canal in central Phuket late yesterday afternoon with a deep cut under his chin.

Thalang Police led by Duty Officer Kitthiphum Thinthalang arrived at the scene, a canal behind the Thalang Victory Memorial Field (map here), at 6:15pm.

Local residents identified the man as 53-year-old local motorbike taxi driver Thammanoon Thepthong.

“We believe he died a day before his body was found,” Maj Kitthiphum said.

“He lived in Srisoonthorn, Thalang. We were told he often drank alcohol,” he added.

Mr Thammanoon had a two-inch-gash under his chin.

“We did not any find valuables on his person,” Maj Kitthiphum said.

Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation workers transported the body to Thalang Hospital for a post-mortem examination in order to identify the cause of death.

“We are continuing our investigation. Once the hospital has confirmed the cause of death, we will decide whether or not to pursue this as a murder investigation,” Maj Kitthiphum said.

— Thawit Bilabdullar