PATTAYA — Two American nationals were found dead inside a hotel room in the Jomtien area of Pattaya, police said on 31 March.
Pol. Lt. Col. Shinwat Thisala, an investigator at Khong Dongtan police substation, said officers were notified of the incident at about 11:00. Police, along with rescuers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, rushed to the scene.
The bodies of a man and a woman were discovered on the floor of a third-floor room, lying in an embrace. Authorities believe they had been dead for at least three to four days.
The man was wearing a white floral Hawaiian shirt and blue shorts, while the woman was dressed in a rainbow-coloured Hawaiian shirt and white trousers.
Police identified the deceased as Richard Carl Speth Jr, 85, and Kelly Marie Bennett, 65, both United States nationals.
Inside the room, officers found several medical items and a note written in English.
Initial investigation found the pair had been staying at the hotel for about one month and were reportedly experiencing health problems. Hotel staff said they had not been seen leaving the room for four to five days. Suspicion was raised after a staff member noticed a strong odour coming from the room. After receiving no response when calling out, staff entered the room and found the bodies.
Police said the initial assessment suggests the couple may have taken medication to end their lives, as pills were found near the bodies. However, forensic officers have been called in for a detailed examination.
The bodies have been sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine to determine the exact cause of death.
