A 33-year-old British man was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside a house in Pattaya on the morning of 2 July 2026, while his 20-year-old British girlfriend was taken into police custody for questioning. Officers said they believe she was involved in the incident, although she denied killing him and claimed she could not remember what happened.
Get today's headlines by email 
Police were called at 10.30am to a single-storey house on Pornprapanimit Road (Soi Siam Country Club) in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. Investigators found the body of Thomas David Powell in the shower area of the bathroom, with a pillow supporting his neck and a towel covering his body. He had suffered two stab wounds to his back and ribs, three to the front of his torso and one to his left hand. A knife found in the sink appeared to have been washed clean, leading investigators to suspect an attempt had been made to remove fingerprints and other evidence.
Inside the property, officers found Isabel Violet Carreras, 20, also a British national and the victim’s girlfriend. Police described her as appearing dazed, confused and giving inconsistent answers, at times crying and appearing detached from her surroundings. The house showed signs of a struggle, with bloodstains in several rooms and belongings scattered throughout. Investigators also found cannabis-smoking equipment, and officers reported a strong smell of cannabis inside the property.
Police said the couple had been together for about two years and planned to build a future together in Thailand. The woman told investigators they had gone to look at engagement rings before returning home and smoking cannabis together. She claimed she could not remember the events that followed and said the couple regularly used cannabis together.
Video recorded as officers entered the property showed police asking the woman, “You kill him?” She replied, “Why kill him?” and later answered, “No.” In the same footage, she claimed the victim had been under severe stress, taken about eight tablets and that the pair had been playing with knives. She alleged he accidentally cut his face and hand before saying, “Hope I don’t wake up in the morning,” and, “If I stab myself in the neck, everything will be over,” before claiming he injured himself despite her attempts to stop him.
Police said they did not believe her account because of inconsistencies between her statement, the pattern of the victim’s injuries and physical evidence at the scene. Investigators also cited CCTV footage which reportedly showed the victim running from the house while crying out in pain. Officers said only the couple were inside the house at the time of the incident.
As rescue workers removed Powell’s body, the couple’s dog, which had been confined in a cage outside, watched as its owner was taken away. The woman was allowed to say goodbye to the dog before being escorted away by police.
The body has been sent for a full post-mortem examination while forensic officers continue collecting evidence. Police are conducting further interviews and said charges will be filed once all available evidence has been reviewed.
Pictures courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 2 July 2026