Russian found hanged from tree at Phuket landmark

PHUKET: A Russian man was found dead, hanged from a tree in a wooded area near Phuket’s iconic Promthep Cape, at the southernmost tip of the island, on Saturday morning.

Chalong Police received news of the deceased foreigner at 8:30am.

“We found the body of Vladimir Slobodenyuk, 29, from Russia, hanging by a length of nylon rope from a large acacia tree near the soccer field [close to the large wind turbines],” said Chalong Police Capt Thada Sodarak.

“It appears he died about three hours before we arrived.”

Local residents told police that Mr Slobodenyuk appeared gloomy as he conducted his usual walk around the Nai Harn lagoon (map here), north of Laem Phromthep, early Saturday morning, Capt Thada said.

The body of Mr Slobodenyuk was first seen by a team of on-duty Rawai Municipality garbage-collectors, who immediately called the police.

“We do not suspect foul play at this stage because we did not find any sign of a struggle. The body has been transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a thorough examination,” Capt Thada said.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong