A 77-year-old British man died after falling from the eighth floor of a condominium off Na Jomtien Beach Road in Sattahip district, Chon Buri, on the evening of 25 June 2026. Police from Na Jomtien Police Station were alerted to the incident at 7.00pm.

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Responding officers, led by Sub-Lieutenant Akkharadet Piamphumipanya, attended the scene alongside Sattahip rescue workers. The victim was identified as David Spooner, 77, a British national.

His body was found in the condominium car park with multiple fractures and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities secured the area while investigators documented the scene and gathered evidence.

According to an unnamed neighbour, Spooner regularly carried out maintenance and decoration work in his condominium unit himself. Before the incident, he had been seen painting the balcony of his apartment. The neighbour said that shortly afterwards it was discovered that Spooner had fallen from the balcony and died at the scene.

Investigators conducted a detailed examination of the location before inspecting the victim’s eighth-floor room. Police reported that no signs of a struggle or any unusual circumstances were found inside the apartment.

The death remains under investigation. Officers are collecting evidence and coordinating with the victim’s relatives as part of the inquiry.

Khaosod reported that the body will be transferred to the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine for a post-mortem examination. Authorities said the exact cause and circumstances of the death will be determined once the investigation and forensic examination have been completed.

Pictures courtesy of Sattahip News

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 26 June 2026

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32 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Before the incident, he had been seen painting the balcony of his apartment.

It's entirely possible the fumes from the paint made him dizzy, he was reaching around to dab the outside facing rails and accidentally went over the edge.

RIP sir.

32 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds said:

It's entirely possible the fumes from the paint made him dizzy, he was reaching around to dab the outside facing rails and accidentally went over the edge.

RIP sir.

Always wondered why nobody paints the

outside of the balconey rails !

51 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds said:

It's entirely possible the fumes from the paint made him dizzy, he was reaching around to dab the outside facing rails and accidentally went over the edge.

RIP sir.

Back in my glue sniffing days I nearly did the same thing whilst peeping in on a comely lady next door.

Could be an accident.

Elderly folks especially should just entirely avoid balconies altogether.

Go get fresh air at the beach.

RIP.

5 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Could be an accident.

Elderly folks especially should just entirely avoid balconies altogether.

Go get fresh air at the beach.

RIP.

I hear that, high balconies give me the heebie-jeebies.

Thailand must be the global capital for falling from high floors.....!

I wish they'd start a new journalistic policy of stating the height of the balcony railing on every story like this.

Contrary to the claims of some posters here, there are some real low railings in LOS. My apartment in Asoke was a perfect example. I've also stayed at several hotels where they actually welded on some stainless to raise the inadequate railings, as an afterthought.

10 minutes ago, impulse said:

I wish they'd start a new journalistic policy of stating the height of the balcony railing on every story like this.

Contrary to the claims of some posters here, there are some real low railings in LOS. My apartment in Asoke was a perfect example. I've also stayed at several hotels where they actually welded on some stainless to raise the inadequate railings, as an afterthought.

Absolutely, even Mini Me would have to be careful!😏

Balcony accidents in Thailand would be comparative to those in Russia except, here in Thailand, there is a broader demographic of victims.

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

he had been seen painting the balcony of his apartment

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Investigators conducted a detailed examination of the location before inspecting the victim’s eighth-floor room. Police reported that no signs of a struggle or any unusual circumstances were found inside the apartment.

Does seem rather like he had a painting project going on, but no official mention. Assuming he did, what are the odds that a 77 year old toppled from his ladder? RIP 🙏
Lots of older expats here that should probably stay off of ladders for any reason ... be careful out there !!

42 minutes ago, impulse said:

I wish they'd start a new journalistic policy of stating the height of the balcony railing on every story like this.

Contrary to the claims of some posters here, there are some real low railings in LOS.

waitwhenthenewcondoreachtheageof 10-15years,all this cheap railings glass and aliuminium/metal would fall apart due to rust and stability if off

falls from balcony will increase over time#

windows from top to bottom will increase falls too over time,not only heat collectors

in my condo have brick walls ,and on top a round stainless steel bar for safety..but brick walls are out of fashion

So sad. It doesn't sound like a suicide. Let's assume he was painting. Point 1, in the police statement there's no mention of any paint cans on the balcony or in the condo unit. But then again, that may not be a complete or a final report. Point 2, labor is cheap here. He could have had the entire balcony and railing painted for a small amount of money.

9 minutes ago, Front Row said:

So sad. It doesn't sound like a suicide. Let's assume he was painting. Point 1, in the police statement there's no mention of any paint cans on the balcony or in the condo unit. But then again, that may not be a complete or a final report. Point 2, labor is cheap here. He could have had the entire balcony and railing painted for a small amount of money.

Nah, it´s probably an accident. However, a very avoidable one. I agree 100% with Point 2. Why in the world must a retired person at the age of 77, do paint work? They come to live in Thailand, and should have as small money it really takes to get the job done, while looking on and relaxing with a good book in the sofa together with aircon.

So many stupid things happen all the time. This guy, as he was doing paint job at 77 was probably kind of fit and had good health. He could surely have had 10-15 years left. Very sad.

Could not pay back a maffia loan?
Had a mental crazy jealous woman?

Would not be the first.

Things that make you go hmmm

2 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

Thailand must be the global capital for falling from high floors.....!

And here I thought it was Russia, especially Putin's enemies.

3 hours ago, jacko45k said:

I hear that, high balconies give me the heebie-jeebies.

Me too- I get nervous on a thick carpet

1 hour ago, wmorris61 said:

Balcony accidents in Thailand would be comparative to those in Russia except, here in Thailand, there is a broader demographic of victims.

90% seem to be either Western men aged 70+ or a Thai bargirl in her 20s playing the guilt trip during an argument.

With a splattering of drunk Chinese, Russians and selfie taking Instagram Influencers that could just as likely bounce back up thrown in.

Why in the world must a retired person at the age of 77, do paint work? They come to live in Thailand, and should have as small money it really takes to get the job done, while looking on and relaxing with a good book in the sofa together with aircon.

To some people, myself included, that's what we enjoy doing. I've got nothing against a good book, but mostly in the evening when outdoor activities are mosquito (and drunken idiot) limited.

Another sad tragedy. Why aren't the building code authorities addressing the elephant in the room? Increase the balcony railing heights, damn it!

May be he was trying to do some painting or balcony maintenance at night to avoid cono management surveillance. This is a common problem for falangs who don't want to follow condo rules. They feel they have the right to paint their balcony any color they want regardless if it is an eyesore. They should be living in a house. All the same no foul play here, nothing to see here. Most probably a bored and lonely old man without friends. May he RIP.

6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

According to an unnamed neighbour, Spooner regularly carried out maintenance and decoration work in his condominium unit himself. Before the incident, he had been seen painting the balcony of his apartment.

Rest in peace, Mr. Spooner.

I observe that tossing a can of paint and a paintbrush first could offer some peace to surviving friends and family, should one truly wish to not cause undue pain.

3 hours ago, expat_4_life said:

Does seem rather like he had a painting project going on, but no official mention. Assuming he did, what are the odds that a 77 year old toppled from his ladder? RIP 🙏
Lots of older expats here that should probably stay off of ladders for any reason ... be careful out there !!

Agreed! I don't like heights, and at my age, the knees don't enjoy ladder climbing. So, I did finally come up with a solution ... I got a 28 year old wife who enjoys doing chores and home projects!

I had foresight, I built a bungalow.

6 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

It's entirely possible the fumes from the paint made him dizzy, he was reaching around to dab the outside facing rails and accidentally went over the edge.

RIP sir.

At that age, even standing quickly or raising arms overhead, like while hanging laundry can cause light headedness and sometimes dizzyness. This is especially true for those of us taking blood pressure medications which can sometimes cause the BP to fall too low. Low blood sugar can also cause similar symptoms.

Last year I watched a neighbor in a condo building next to mine lean way over his balcony railing while painting. Wouldn't have taken much to throw his balance off. I would NEVER trust my full weight against a 30 year old railing anywhere.

I reckon it happened while he was painting the balcony ceiling and he toppled off the ladder. Or maybe he was using the balcony rail as a ladder! The reason he was doing it himself as opposed to paying some oddjob is that unless its a really big job and you're fit, it's easier and quicker just to get on with it yourself. You'll also probably make a better job of it.

3 hours ago, Legal Lifeline said:

Me too- I get nervous on a thick carpet

I hate being this tall.

8 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

It's entirely possible the fumes from the paint made him dizzy, he was reaching around to dab the outside facing rails and accidentally went over the edge.

RIP sir.

8 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

It's entirely possible the fumes from the paint made him dizzy, he was reaching around to dab the outside facing rails and accidentally went over the edge.

RIP sir.

Yes, but in that case you only have to check the balcony and see if there is a can of paint, a brush, the painted steel or find tools on the groundlevel else this theory is out of question.

In Pattaya then need a law that makes it mandatory to have 6 foot walls around the balcony's with small ports for viewing through.