PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 79-year-old Danish tourist died on Saturday after being found unconscious on a Pattaya beach, despite efforts by rescuers to revive him.
Man found unconscious on Ping-Pha Beach
Emergency services received a call on 26 January at around 1:30 p.m. after bystanders discovered an unconscious foreign man on Ping-Pha Beach in Naklua Soi 22. Officers from the Pattaya City Police Station found him lying motionless on the sand, face down, and later identified him as Bent Rosenkrands Christansen, a 79-year-old Danish national.
Walk with wife before separation
Initial inquiries showed that Christansen had earlier been walking along the beach with his wife. Over the course of the day, the couple went their separate ways for a period of time. When he could no longer be located, concern grew, and his wife Jette Christiansen searched the area together with other beachgoers until he was found lifeless at the shoreline.
Suspected medical emergency in the water
According to police, the circumstances suggested the tourist had been in the sea and had apparently tried to make his way back to the beach on his own. Officers at the scene said they believed Christansen might have experienced difficulties in the water. They reported no signs of a struggle or visible external injuries during the initial examination.
Resuscitation attempts unsuccessful
Medical staff from Pattaya Patmakun Hospital were called directly to the beach and immediately began first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Despite these measures, the 79-year-old could not be stabilised and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. His wife was described as being in a state of deep shock and distress.
Police rule out crime, open routine investigation
The police stated there were no indications of a crime and no signs that personal belongings were missing. The case was documented in line with standard procedures, under the responsibility of Pol Col Anek Sratongyu, head of the Pattaya City Police Station, who supervised the investigation. Lt Sub-Insp Anirut Jehroh was assigned as the case investigator, while Sgt Maj Thawit Thongplai reported the incident via police radio.
Coordination with embassy and safety reminders
Authorities said they were working with the relevant embassy to arrange official notifications and further formalities for the family. They also highlighted common risks associated with bathing accidents, noting that sudden health problems in the water can go unnoticed and that older people should exercise particular caution when swimming. Beach visitors were urged to report any suspicious or unusual situations immediately, as had happened in this case.