PATONG, PHUKET – A 41-year-old British man was found dead in his hotel room on Monday after failing to check out.
Zakir Mahood had been staying alone at the hotel in Kathu district since July 24. He was due to check out on Monday. The room was last cleaned on July 27, then a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign hung on the door.
Housekeeper finds body
At around 11:00 am on the planned checkout day, the head housekeeper knocked on the door of room 1414. Getting no answer, staff entered and found Mahood dead. They immediately called the police.
No signs of violence or struggle
Officers from Patong police station, forensics experts and a medical examiner arrived at about 11:20 am. The initial scene check found no evidence of forced entry or a struggle. The room was not ransacked.
The medical examiner’s preliminary assessment suggests Mahood died between 12 and 24 hours before his body was found. The exact cause of death remains unknown.
Autopsy to determine cause of death
Mahood’s body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further examination. A full autopsy will determine the exact cause of death. Results are pending.
Thai authorities have contacted the British embassy. Together they are arranging to notify relatives and organise repatriation of the body for burial.