Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Thailand News and Discussion Forum | ASEANNOW

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

A Couple from USA Found Dead in Pattaya Hotel Room

Two American nationals have been found dead inside a hotel room in the Jomtien area of Pattaya, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Officers were called to the scene at around 11:00 on 31 March, according to Pol. Lt. Col. Shinwat Thisala of the Khong Dongtan police substation. Rescue workers also attended the location.

Bodies discovered after several days

The bodies of a man and a woman were found on the floor of a third-floor room, lying together. Police said initial assessments suggest they had been dead for three to four days.

Authorities identified the pair as Richard Carl Speth Jr, 85, and Kelly Marie Bennett, 65, both from the United States.

Hotel staff reported that the couple had been staying at the property for about a month and had not been seen leaving their room for several days.

Concerns were raised after staff noticed a strong odour coming from the room. When there was no response from inside, staff entered and discovered the bodies.

Items found in the room

Investigators said several medical-related items were found inside the room, along with a note written in English.

Police also reported that pills were discovered near the bodies, which may be relevant to the investigation.

The man was wearing a white floral shirt and blue shorts, while the woman was dressed in a colourful shirt and white trousers.

Investigation ongoing

Police said initial findings suggest the possibility that the couple may have taken medication, but this has not been confirmed.

Forensic officers have been assigned to examine the scene and gather further evidence.

The bodies have been transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine, where examinations will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.

Authorities said further details would depend on the results of the forensic analysis.

Join the discussion? image.png

Already a member? image.png

image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 31 Mar 2026

User Feedback

Recommended Comments

wil iam not Gold Member

wil iam not

Advanced Member
1 minute ago, Ralf001 said:

None of your business.

Go pester someone else.

I am not pestering you, merely asking a simple question as you think 65 is old. For clarity, I am 78 and my Mrs is 56. 15 happy years together

unblocktheplanet Diamond Member

unblocktheplanet

Advanced Member
4 hours ago, Iron Tongue said:

Yeah, I thought the same thing, however, suicides by couples deciding to "check out" together are usually found resting comfortably on the bed, not the floor... and they chose Pattaya? I mean, there are far nicer beaches than Jomtien's.

With the 20-year age discrepancy, perhaps the hubby pulled a fast one on the wifey and slipped her a Mickey Finn.

I think they didn't want to leave a mess on the mattress. Very considerate, actually.

Briggsy Diamond Member

Briggsy

Advanced Member
5 hours ago, SanSaiExPat said:

A sidewalk you can wash off with a hose

We had a jumper at my old condo (He didn't even live there - just came to bother his old work colleagues, drink to down his sorrows and then jump).

The cleaner was very unhappy as it fell to her to try to get the blood stains off the concrete near the swimming pool. She stated they were virtually impossible to remove.

unblocktheplanet Diamond Member

unblocktheplanet

Advanced Member
5 hours ago, dddave said:

I think the relatively uncomplicated death procedures in Thailand, inexpensive funerals and cremation rather than burial is enticing for those wishing to make a quiet exit without creating a burden for family. What in most western countries can easily go beyond $10,000 can be done here for well under $1000.

Personally, I'm hoping for the back garden...

Yes, seriously. None of this religious claptrap. This way I can point my feet any way I damn want.

unblocktheplanet Diamond Member

unblocktheplanet

Advanced Member
5 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

It's because these mysterious incidents involve foreigners who have a mental illness.

Ask the weirdo foreigners to stay away, problem solved.

Most weirdos don't know they're weirdos. So when's your flight out?

unblocktheplanet Diamond Member

unblocktheplanet

Advanced Member
4 hours ago, Jonathan Swift said:

This chump seems to think Thailand is now a suicide tourism capital of the world. Couldn't think of anything better to complain about so he invented this.

I hope Thailand becomes a suicide destination. Self-administered or medical assistance made legal, just like Switzerland. This is a pretty happy place to live...and to die.

unblocktheplanet Diamond Member

unblocktheplanet

Advanced Member
3 hours ago, TheFishman1 said:

I remember in CM there’s a very politically connected guy that owned the hotel in the city and they were using a poison chemical to get rid of the bug bedbugs instead of keeping the mattress outside for many days and then many people died there due to the poison used in the mattress after a while after a few people died there I think they tore down the hotel and the guy who owns it maybe it’s a parking lot or maybe build something else there but it’s really strange cause I think they said it was like an old list smell and there were some young people that actually died due to the dead bug poison I’m not saying this is the case ensure they found medicines the guy is 80+ years old and his wife 60+ years old sure there medicine is there TIT

The ONLY way to get rid of a bedbug infestation is not toxic chemicals or "leaving the mattress outside". The cure is a professional using cold, pressurised gas on every crevice, missing none.

Putting your clothes in closets or drawers, leaving your suitcase open is just asking for trouble. Check the sheets for scat being accepting the room.

If you don't, you'll carry them home with you and have to burn everything you own.

marin Platinum Member

marin

Members
2 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

It was demolished in 2012 after the deaths.

https://www.newsflare.com/video/96555/downtown-inn-demolition?origin=insecticide

Clearly my mistake. Apologies had the hotels mixed up.

SAFETY FIRST Star Member

SAFETY FIRST

Advanced Member
18 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Most weirdos don't know they're weirdos. So when's your flight out?

Ha ha, says the leftie with severe Wokeism

unblocktheplanet Diamond Member

unblocktheplanet

Advanced Member
3 hours ago, marin said:

What really happened.

AI Overview

In early 2011, several foreign tourists and a Thai guide died in Chiang Mai hotels, with investigations suggesting exposure to toxic chemicals or pesticides, notably chlor

. Traces of the toxic pesticide chlorpyrifos were allegedly found in rooms at the Downtown Inn, though an official investigation could not definitively identify the exact toxic agent.

BBC +2

Key Details of the 2011 Chiang Mai Hotel Deaths

  • Deaths & Incidents: Between January and February 2011, two New Zealand tourists, a British couple, a US woman, and a Thai tour guide died after visiting or staying at the Downtown Inn, with other travelers falling ill.

  • Suspected Cause: Investigations suggested pesticide use for bedbugs, with an investigation by New Zealand TV reportedly finding traces of the insecticide chlorpyrifos.

  • Official Findings: A five-month investigation by Thai authorities and the WHO could not identify the exact cause but found it was likely a toxic chemical, gas, or pesticide.

  • Controversy: Critics have pointed out "loose controls" over chemical use in Thailand's hospitality industry, noting similar subsequent cases involving toxic chemicals in hotel settings, such as the 2009 deaths of two tourists from phosphine poisoning.

    BBC +5

Note: There was a separate, high-profile case involving six deaths due to cyanide poisoning at a Bangkok hotel in 2024, which is distinct from the 2011 Chiang Mai cases.

YouTube +1


The Downtown Inn which is located right near the Night Bazaar is still open and popular to this day.

I wonder if chlorpyrifos or phosphene are peaceful ways to go. The cyanide in Bangkok was a business vendetta. Cyanide is not a peaceful death.

1 hour ago, simon43 said:

Scientist here - absolutely wrong gas for that purpose (think gag/fight for air reflex). Think party balloons instead....

Trouble is, NO2 has been largely outlawed. You might be able to buy a cylinder for model racing cars. Biggest expence is the cylinder not the gas. Anything small risks being left in the middle. Yes, there are double masks with hoses available.

Ralf001 Star Member

Ralf001

Advanced Member
47 minutes ago, wil iam not said:

I am not pestering you, merely asking a simple question as you think 65 is old. For clarity, I am 78 and my Mrs is 56. 15 happy years together

Cool Story Hansel.

Ralf001 Star Member

Ralf001

Advanced Member
1 hour ago, simon43 said:

Scientist here - absolutely wrong gas for that purpose (think gag/fight for air reflex). Think party balloons instead....

I have a substantial stockpile of 1mg Xanax pills that I will start the party with.... they go good with Jack Daniels.

simon43 Star Member

simon43

Advanced Member
15 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

I wonder if chlorpyrifos or phosphene are peaceful ways to go. The cyanide in Bangkok was a business vendetta. Cyanide is not a peaceful death.

Trouble is, NO2 has been largely outlawed. You might be able to buy a cylinder for model racing cars. Biggest expence is the cylinder not the gas. Anything small risks being left in the middle. Yes, there are double masks with hoses available.

I'm not talking about NO2 :) What gas is used in party balloons? Not NO2 (I don't want to be more specific). It's readily available to buy (for party balloons!).

Reddavy Gold Member

Reddavy

Advanced Member
7 hours ago, redwood1 said:

The balcony jumpers may leave quite a mess but at least they are sparing others from having to deal with decaying body stench.

That smell which, in case you did not know, is incredibly hard to get out of a room or house...The smell gets into everything and lingers for a very long time...

Not if you use professional cleaning company. People commit suicide in hotels all over the world unfortunately so these companies do exist.

Tug Star Member

Tug

Advanced Member
4 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

Yep, nitrogen asphyxiation.

Everything needed is readily available.

Had 2 friends die that way on a construction job building a large stainless tank one of the guys tig welder was leaking the nitrogen displaced the oxygen in the enclosed space in that sad incident.personally lm 74 active can still put in a decent days work doing what I want to do.loving wife of 40 years enough money to do things….heck I’m having a blast…..guess I will just live till I die and hopefully leave this world just a little better for having the privilege of existing on it.Kind of a sad end for that couple perhaps they had health issues.

Shocked farang Silver Member

Shocked farang

Advanced Member
6 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

I will self-euthanize long before I reach that number.

Are you

6 hours ago, dddave said:

I think the relatively uncomplicated death procedures in Thailand, inexpensive funerals and cremation rather than burial is enticing for those wishing to make a quiet exit without creating a burden for family. What in most western countries can easily go beyond $10,000 can be done here for well under $1000.

Or even free, if you go to a Wat and say you really can't afford a funeral, they will do it for free.

tandor Platinum Member

tandor

Advanced Member
7 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

I will self-euthanize long before I reach that number.

...bet you chicken out

wensiensheng Platinum Member

wensiensheng

Advanced Member
7 hours ago, Iron Tongue said:

Yeah, I thought the same thing, however, suicides by couples deciding to "check out" together are usually found resting comfortably on the bed, not the floor... and they chose Pattaya? I mean, there are far nicer beaches than Jomtien's.

With the 20-year age discrepancy, perhaps the hubby pulled a fast one on the wifey and slipped her a Mickey Finn.

The written note may provide a clue as to motive?

scottiejohn Star Member

scottiejohn

Advanced Member
5 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

The ole' Downtown Inn... demolished in 2012.

The space is now a carpark for the Chinese temple across the road!

scottiejohn Star Member

scottiejohn

Advanced Member
5 hours ago, marin said:

The Downtown Inn which is located right near the Night Bazaar is still open and popular to this day.

It is NOT the same building!

Ralf001 Star Member

Ralf001

Advanced Member
3 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

I wonder if chlorpyrifos or phosphene are peaceful ways to go. The cyanide in Bangkok was a business vendetta. Cyanide is not a peaceful death.

Trouble is, NO2 has been largely outlawed. You might be able to buy a cylinder for model racing cars. Biggest expence is the cylinder not the gas. Anything small risks being left in the middle. Yes, there are double masks with hoses available.

I have a bottle of N2, not NO2.

I use it on my laser cutting machine when I need to cut aluminium.

image.png

wil iam not Gold Member

wil iam not

Advanced Member
3 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

I have a substantial stockpile of 1mg Xanax pills that I will start the party with.... they go good with Jack Daniels.

Great, glad I shall not be there.

cdemundo Platinum Member

cdemundo

Advanced Member

Amazing how many here are sensitive about being old.

No one has said infirm, senile, weak, or attributed anything negative to being old.

It seems to me that all of those who can't accept the term "old" it is because they are the ones with negative connotations with aging.

I am very happy to be old considering what the alternative is.

For anyone who needs everything spelled out, the alternative to being old is being dead.

Ralf001 Star Member

Ralf001

Advanced Member
3 minutes ago, cdemundo said:

Amazing how many here are sensitive about being old.

No one has said infirm, senile, weak, or attributed anything negative to being old.

It seems to me that all of those who can't accept the term "old" it is because they are the ones with negative connotations with aging.

I am very happy to be old considering what the alternative is.

For anyone who needs everything spelled out, the alternative to being old is being dead.

I dislike old people and have no desire to become one.

Harsh Jones Gold Member

Harsh Jones

Advanced Member
9 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Crikey, I reckon there'd only be a hand full of us allowed entry. Even the female foreigners are screwed up

The guy breaking it up with a cigarette in his mouth and a beer in his hand is hilarious

Harsh Jones Gold Member

Harsh Jones

Advanced Member
33 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

I dislike old people and have no desire to become one.

How old are you ?

Ralf001 Star Member

Ralf001

Advanced Member
13 minutes ago, Harsh Jones said:

How old are you ?

A decent chunk under 65

unblocktheplanet Diamond Member

unblocktheplanet

Advanced Member
2 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

I have a bottle of N2, not NO2.

I use it on my laser cutting machine when I need to cut aluminium.

image.png

US used N for executions for awhile. Still recommended by Exit Int'l.

unblocktheplanet Diamond Member

unblocktheplanet

Advanced Member
5 hours ago, simon43 said:

I'm not talking about NO2 :) What gas is used in party balloons? Not NO2 (I don't want to be more specific). It's readily available to buy (for party balloons!).

Yikes, sorry. N2O.

unblocktheplanet Diamond Member

unblocktheplanet

Advanced Member
5 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

I have a substantial stockpile of 1mg Xanax pills that I will start the party with.... they go good with Jack Daniels.

Benzos won't get you offed, no matter how many you take. It may be possible to use them to relax you before you drop the real deal.

Create an account or sign in to comment

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.