PHUKET — A 52-year-old Singaporean tourist, identified only as Mr. Lee, passed away at a massage parlor in Patong Beach, Phuket, after experiencing breathing difficulties. According to Police Colonel Chalermchai Hernsawat, superintendent of Patong Police Station, the incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. on December 7.
Mr. Lee’s wife, who was present at the scene, indicated that she does not suspect foul play, citing her husband’s pre-existing health conditions. She has declined an autopsy and requested to repatriate his body to Singapore for religious ceremonies.
Staff at the massage establishment attempted immediate first aid when Mr. Lee showed signs of distress. Despite prompt CPR efforts by both massage staff and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Patong Hospital. Medical professionals believe he had already passed away at the massage parlor.
According to his wife, Mr. Lee had a sedentary lifestyle with minimal exercise and inadequate rest. She revealed that on the day of the incident, he had consumed beer before visiting the massage parlor, which he frequently patronized. After completing his 45-minute oil massage, he was resting when what appeared to be loud snoring (which was actually agonal breathing) was heard, before he became unresponsive.
This incident coincides with another massage-related death in Thailand, where a Thai female singer in Udon Thani Province passed away on December 8. Her death was attributed to complications following neck manipulation during massage sessions in early November, which led to severe pain and eventual paralysis.
The recent incidents have prompted medical professionals to issue warnings about the risks of aggressive neck massage techniques, particularly regarding potential damage to cervical blood vessels that could lead to stroke or paralysis.
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