Police in Pattaya have discovered the decomposing body of a 72-year-old New Zealand man inside a condominium room in the Jomtien area after neighbours reported a strong foul smell. The body of Campbell Frank Taylor was found naked in a bathroom at a condo on Jomtien Second Road. Authorities believe he may have been dead for at least three to four days.
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Officers from Pattaya City Police Station were alerted to the incident at 15.15 on March 16, 2026, after residents complained of an unusual odour coming from one of the units. Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Foundation were called to assist with the investigation.
The condominium is a 22-storey building and the smell was detected along the corridor on the 12th floor. Police forced entry into room 484 where they found Taylor’s body lying inside the bathroom.
Authorities reported that the body had already begun to decompose. Investigators said there were no signs of a struggle or evidence of property being disturbed inside the room.
A security guard at the condominium, identified only as Boy, aged 38, told police that Taylor lived alone and was a retired foreign resident. According to the guard, the man was known for being friendly and regularly bought lottery tickets to give to security staff.
Boy said Taylor was also a regular user of the building’s swimming pool and would usually come downstairs every day. However, staff and neighbours had not seen him leave his room for the past three to four days.
Concern grew after a neighbouring resident noticed a strong smell coming from the unit and alerted building staff. Security personnel then contacted police, who attended the scene and discovered the body.
Police initially suspect that Taylor may have slipped and fallen in the bathroom, striking his head and dying as a result. However, the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Authorities said the body will be sent for a detailed autopsy to determine the precise cause of death. Investigators will also continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials have contacted the New Zealand embassy to assist the man’s relatives and begin the necessary procedures. Further information, as part of the investigation, is expected once forensic examinations are completed.
Picture courtesy of Amarin
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 17 Mar 2026
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