American Tourist Found Dead in Phuket Hotel Room

A 50-year-old American tourist was found dead inside a room at a hotel in Phuket late on 31 May 2026, prompting a police investigation and forensic examination.

Get today's headlines by email

Police were alerted at 11.30pm on 31 May after staff at a hotel in Ratsada, Mueang Phuket district, reported the discovery of a deceased foreign guest. Officers from Mueang Phuket Police Station, led by Pol Lt Urassaya Daengtako, attended the scene along with relevant authorities.

The deceased was later identified as Daniel Martin White, aged 50, a United States national. He was found seated inside the room with an iron cord tied around his neck and attached to a wardrobe. Initial findings suggested he may have taken his own life.

According to the preliminary investigation, the hotel’s Director was informed at around 11.00pm that reception staff had been unable to contact the guest for approximately 24 hours. Concerned by the lack of response, hotel management arranged for maintenance staff to open the room for a welfare check.

Upon entering, staff discovered the man unresponsive inside the room and immediately notified authorities. Police secured the scene and began gathering evidence.

A forensic examination was carried out at the hotel by Dr Tulwich Wannasri, a forensic physician from Vachira Phuket Hospital, together with investigating officers. Initial assessments indicated that the man had likely been dead for between eight and 12 hours before being found.

Investigators documented the scene, photographed evidence and prepared a site plan as part of the legal process. No further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the death were released.

Authorities are continuing their investigation in line with legal procedures and have not yet ruled out any possibility. Police are coordinating with the deceased’s relatives, embassy and relevant officials regarding the next steps.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 2 June 2026