AYUTTHAYA — A 54-year-old Dutch tourist was found dead in his hotel room in Thailand’s ancient capital city of Ayutthaya on Sunday afternoon, just as he was scheduled to check out after a three-day stay.
The deceased, identified as Ronald, was discovered by hotel housekeeping staff after he failed to check out on time. Staff used a master key to enter his room, where they found him dead.
Police from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Station responded to the scene on Sunday, June 22, along with forensic investigators, medical personnel from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital, and representatives from a charitable foundation.
The victim was found shirtless, wearing only black shorts, lying beside his bed. Investigators noted a severe laceration on his left arm that exposed bone, with blood stains found throughout the room including on the floor, bed, and in the bathroom bathtub.
Authorities discovered several items during their investigation:
- The victim’s mobile phone placed on the bathtub edge
- A fruit knife approximately 10 centimeters long found in the drained bathtub
- On the dressing table: passport, medication, yellow powder, and a letter written in English
- A half-empty bottle of alcohol and soft drinks near the body
Based on initial investigations and witness interviews, police believe the deceased may have been under stress and harmed himself after consuming alcohol. This assessment was supported by the discovery of the English-language letter.
Security camera footage from before and after the incident showed no other individuals entering or leaving the victim’s room, according to preliminary reviews.
The body has been sent to the Forensic Science Institute in Pathum Thani Province for a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Dutch embassy officials have been notified of the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the final hours of the Dutch national’s stay in the historic city of Ayutthaya.
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