Chinese Businessman Found Dead on a Pattaya Beach

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of SiamNews.

 

A 40-year-old Chinese national, identified as Mr Ronghua Qiu, was discovered dead early morning on 5 April, on a secluded stretch of a Pattaya beach, sparking mystery and speculation about the cause of his untimely demise.

 

At approximately0 7:30, Pol. Lt. Saijai Kamchulla of Pattaya City Police Station received a report of a foreign man found dead near the rear of a beachfront hotel in the Yinyom Beach area of South Pattaya, Chonburi Province.

 

Officers attended the scene along with senior police investigators, forensic teams, tourist police, medics from Pattaya Patamakun Hospital, and rescue volunteers. The body was discovered on a rocky and sandy section of the shore, lying face-down with both arms buried in the sand. Mr Qiu was dressed in a white T-shirt, which had been rolled up to his neck, and long denim jeans.

 

Near the body, authorities found a mobile phone and one sandal. A passport and a bankbook were also recovered from his person, the latter indicating an account held in Chiang Rai with an approximate balance of 60,000 baht. All items were taken into evidence.

 

Preliminary forensic examination revealed abrasions to the victim’s forehead and neck, as well as a laceration above his right eyebrow. Blood was seen seeping from his nostrils, and it is believed he had been dead for between 6 and 12 hours before being found.

 

Hotel staff nearby reported noticing the body while cleaning the beach in the morning. They confirmed that Mr Qiu was not a guest at their establishment.

 

According to immigration records, Mr Qiu had entered Thailand on a tourist visa under the exclusive Thailand Privilege Card scheme, intended for wealthy visitors. He first arrived in early 2023 and had travelled in and out of the country on several occasions. His most recent registered residence was in the Talay Jomtien housing estate, located approximately 2–3 kilometres from where his body was found.

 

Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya City Police, stated that the exact cause of death has not yet been determined. Initial medical opinion suggests he may have slipped, hit his head on a rock, lost consciousness, and drowned. However, a full post-mortem examination will be conducted at the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine in Bangkok to ascertain the precise cause of death.

 

The investigation remains ongoing.

 

-- 2025-04-05