A 90-year-old British man, was found dead at his villa on Phuket on August 16 after apparently becoming trapped in a chair, police said.
Forensic officers estimated that man had been dead for around four to six hours when his housekeeper found him. Investigators believe he may have suffered positional asphyxia after being unable to move from a position which obstructed his breathing.
The man, who had lived in Thailand for sometime, was staying at the villa with a housekeeper, according to Choeng Thale Police Station.
Police said he was found in a chair with both arms raised and his legs pointing upwards. His phone and wallet were on the floor nearby, while officers found a packet of biscuits and an uncapped bottle of water on a table.
Police await post-mortem result
Investigators believe the man may have leaned back while eating biscuits and trying to drink water, then suffered a serious back injury. Given his age and the severity of the injury, police said he was unable to pull himself upright again.
Police Lieutenant Uratthaya Raengtakorn said the housekeeper had seen him well during the morning, but returned in the afternoon to find him dead in the chair.
"He had been living in Thailand for some time and was staying at the villa with a housekeeper," Lt Uratthaya said.
"That morning, she went in and he was still fine. Then she returned in the afternoon and found him dead on the chair.
"There was no unusual smell or anything suspicious."
She said there was no indication that another person had been involved, adding: "It appeared that he had slumped or fallen into that position and, because of his age, was unable to move himself back up."
A post-mortem examination will determine the exact cause of death. Police were also examining whether blood may have pooled in the mans head after he remained in the position for a prolonged period.
Lt Uratthaya said the man had appeared generally healthy and strong, although he did not know whether he had any underlying medical conditions.
Concern for older residents living alone
The case may particularly resonate with older foreign residents in Thailand, many of whom live independently or rely on domestic staff who visit at set times rather than remain in the home throughout the day.
The circumstances underline the importance for elderly residents, particularly those with mobility issues, of having a way to summon help and regular welfare checks.
An FCDO spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British national who died in Thailand."
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20 August 2026
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