Russian Tourist Drowns at Jomtien Beach

CHONBURI — A 76-year-old Russian woman was found dead on Jomtien beach yesterday evening.

Chit Chaiman, a witness at the scene, told reporters he spotted the body floating near a buoy at around 6 pm yesterday. Two tourists later swam to the buoy and brought the deceased to the shore, he said. 

The woman, a tourist from Russia, was already dead when she was brought to the beach, according to police. No injuries were found on her body, leading officers to believe she drowned. 

The victim's bag and other belongings were also found on the beach. 

"We believe the deceased had been swimming in the sea before either a cramp or pre-existing medical condition hit her," a police officer from Mueang Pattaya Police Station said. "However, we will send the body for an autopsy to find out about true cause of her death." 

Jomtien Beach is close to Pattaya, a resort town popular among Russian tourists.