PHUKET — 21 July 2026, An Australian tourist died after drowning in the swimming pool of a luxury villa in Phuket, police said. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
At about 20:00 on 21 July, Pol. Lt. Kriengkrai Daokrajai, a deputy investigation inspector at Thalang Police Station, received a report from Thalang Hospital that a foreign tourist had died. The victim was later identified as Mrs. Haiyan Hong, 45, an Australian national.
The incident was reported to Pol. Col. Nikorn Chuthong, superintendent of Thalang Police Station, before investigators and a doctor travelled to examine the case.
Police found that the woman had drowned in the swimming pool of Villa No. 26 at The Cape Yamu in Pa Khlok subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket.
Her husband, Mr. Yaxi, told investigators that he, his wife and 12 relatives, all members of the same extended family, had checked into the villa on 20 July and planned to stay until 25 July.
At about 16:00 on 21 July, the couple rented jet skis and travelled to Naka Island before returning to the villa at around 17:15. They then went swimming in the villa’s pool, which is about 3 metres deep, along with about eight relatives.
During the swim, relatives noticed Mrs. Hong submerged in the pool. They pulled her from the water, performed CPR and called emergency medical services. She was taken to Thalang Hospital, where doctors attempted to save her life but she was later pronounced dead.
A preliminary examination by investigators and doctors at Thalang Hospital found that the cause of death was drowning. The body has been kept at the hospital pending a detailed autopsy.
Police said they will question relatives who were present, examine CCTV footage and notify the Australian Embassy as part of the ongoing investigation.
