A 56-year-old foreign national, was found dead, hanging beneath a tree near Nual Beach on Koh Larn, off Pattaya, on the morning of 2 May 2026. Police were alerted at around 10:00am and responded with forensic officers, investigators, a duty doctor and rescue workers to examine the scene. The man, identified only as Mr Joseph, was discovered with a green nylon rope tied around his neck and attached to a neem tree.
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The body showed a wound to the left side of the forehead and authorities estimate he had been dead for between three and five hours. Nearby, officers found a blue backpack containing a large quantity of medication for heart disease and hypertension, which was taken as evidence. The area where the body was found is described as vacant land close to a construction site.
A 65-year-old construction supervisor, Mr Somjit, who discovered the body, said he initially thought it was a mannequin when gathering workers at the site earlier that morning. Upon closer inspection, he realised it was a foreign man hanging, prompting workers to flee in shock before contacting police. Witnesses also reported seeing the deceased sitting at a nearby pavilion about 20 metres from the scene, the previous evening.
Police believe the man may have been suffering stress related to underlying health conditions and took his own life. However, officers stressed that the cause of death has not yet been formally confirmed. The body will be sent for a detailed post-mortem examination to establish the exact circumstances.
Investigators are working to contact the man’s relatives and gather further information about his background and recent movements. Authorities have not indicated any signs of foul play at this stage, but inquiries remain ongoing. The case will be reviewed once forensic results and witness statements are fully assessed.
Picture courtesy of SiamChon
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.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Siamchon 3 May 2026