Phuket mystery: Homeless woman found dead at abandoned hotel
A chilling discovery in the heart of Phuket Town has left residents and tourists in shock after a homeless woman was found dead at an abandoned hotel. Police believe she may have fallen from the third floor but mystery surrounds the circumstances of her death.
Phuket City Police were called to the old Imperial Hotel on Phuket Road at around 8pm yesterday, March 13. The once-thriving seven-story hotel has stood abandoned since the Covid pandemic and is now under the care of Phuket City Municipality.
The building sits in a bustling area of Old Town, with restaurants and tourists nearby at the time of the incident.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of 44 year old Ratchanok (surname withheld) lying face-up on the rooftop of the first floor.
Police estimated she had been dead for approximately two days. Reports indicate that she was homeless and had been living on the third floor of the derelict building.
A witness stated that the woman was last seen dancing on the third floor three days prior. By 1pm yesterday, she was spotted lying in the same position, but it wasn’t until 7pm that a concerned passerby, realising she had not moved, alerted the police.
Phumin Chulai, a 19 year old diner at a nearby rooftop restaurant, recounted how a foreign tourist first spotted the motionless figure and informed the restaurant staff, who then contacted the police.
Dr Athit Suravisankul, a forensic specialist from Vachira Phuket Hospital, examined the body and found no immediate signs of struggle or assault. However, the exact cause of death remains unknown.
Rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation transported the body to Vachira Hospital for a thorough post-mortem examination, reported The Phuket News.
With the area being a known shelter for the homeless, locals have raised concerns about safety in the abandoned building. Police continue to investigate whether Ratchanok’s death was accidental or if other factors were involved.
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