A 44-year-old Russian man has been found dead by hanging inside a rented apartment in the Kathu area of Phuket, after friends were unable to contact him for around three days. Thai police confirmed the discovery was made on 29 June 2026 at 19:10, following a welfare check prompted by concerns from acquaintances.

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Officers from Kathu Police Station in Phuket, led by Pol Lt Col Wattanathorn Bumrungthin, received a report via the station’s radio centre that a foreign man had been found dead inside a room at an apartment in tambon Kathu, Amphoe Kathu, Phuket. Police Colonel Chaloemchai Hernsawat, the station superintendent, was informed before officers and relevant agencies attended the scene.

At the location, police found a 22-year-old female friend of the deceased, identified only as Ms Por, who provided initial information. She said the deceased, later identified as Mr Konstantin, aged 44, a Russian national, had not been contactable for approximately three days. Concerned, she and others went to check on him at his room.

After knocking on the door repeatedly with no response, they looked through a gap at the bottom of the door and appeared to see the man sitting motionless inside the room and appearing unclothed. Due to the unusual circumstances, they forced entry and discovered him hanging by a rope inside the apartment. Emergency services were then contacted.

A preliminary examination indicated that the body had likely been deceased for around two days. Police also reported that the friend stated the man had a history of depression and lived alone in the apartment. Officers did not immediately indicate any signs of foul play at the scene.

Kaoded reported that the body was transferred by the Kuthatham Foundation rescue unit in Phuket to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a full post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities have also coordinated with the Embassy of the Russian Federation to contact the deceased’s relatives so they can claim the body for religious rites and further legal procedures.

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. Thailandtravel guides

Picture courtesy of kaoded

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Kaoded 1 July 2026

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‘A history of depression’ explains far more than his location ever could. Sadly, moving to Thailand isn’t a cure for depression. RIP. 🙏

Talking about one's mental health problems is looked down upon in Russian culture, especially for men. This young man had some of the best years of life ahead of him. The forties is a great decade for most of the men I know. A balance of wisdom and the tail end of youthful energy.

How big was the gap at the bottom of the door they could see him sitting in the room unclothed 😳

"Police also reported that the friend stated the man had a history of depression and lived alone in the apartment."

Serious mental / depression disorders. No contact, no suicide note, just exit. RIP.

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

44-year-old Russian man has been found dead by hanging inside a rented apartment

I was listening to one of Dan about Thailand vlogs, his wife went back Russia

He was saying, at 45yo, every Russian must go back to Russia to renew their passport if it's expiring.

1 hour ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

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"Police also reported that the friend stated the man had a history of depression and lived alone in the apartment."

Serious mental / depression disorders. No contact, no suicide note, just exit. RIP.

It may be that simple, and tragic. But if I were the guy's next of kin, I'd hope for a more thorough investigation.

35 minutes ago, impulse said:

It may be that simple, and tragic. But if I were the guy's next of kin, I'd hope for a more thorough investigation.

I doubt very much that any of the guy's next of kin living in Russia will make a trip to Thailand. Russians are a pragmatic people based on their survival mechanism shaped by centuries of volatile history, economic instability, and harsh geographic realities. The 44 year old left Russia with known depresssion disorders. What can be gained, he's gone and can't be brought back. His next of kin have their own problems. Life is for the living, just saying.

Yep, terrible. RIP

Even depressed guys in their 40s have gf half their age here. But I wonder if she was the reason for his depression.

The 44 year old left Russia with known depresssion disorders.

Where was that reported? I'm only seeing a friend claim that he had depression and stayed home a lot. It's not as if no foreigner has ever been murdered in LOS by "a friend" for their money, or jealousy, or any number of other reasons.

I'm not claiming any knowledge on either side. But a look at his bank account, blood chemistry, an autopsy, and building CCTV would be appropriate.

Of course, a ruling of murder wouldn't be good for tourism.

6 hours ago, flaming dragon said:

This young man had some of the best years of life ahead of him.

So long as he stayed out of Russian during Putin's war that is killing many middle aged Russian men such as Mr Konstanti. T

The average age of killed Russian soldiers in that war is roughly 38 to 40 years old. Volunteers and mobilized personnel in their mid-40s comprise a disproportionately large ratio of these fatalities, with men aged 35 to 47 representing the largest single group of confirmed war dead.

He may have left Russia to avoid Putin's Special Operation but also cut all his social ties that might have greatly depressed him.

Who knows what provoked him to end his life, Rest in Peace. My only question is “why naked” ?? Only a post mortem autopsy will provide more information, was it self inflicted, or did he have help?? Does anyone know if it is normal for someone to hang themselves naked?? I certainly wouldn’t, I’m too shy for that.

Peace

A very sad lonely end to a young life

RIP

1 hour ago, Srikcir said:

So long as he stayed out of Russian during Putin's war that is killing many middle aged Russian men such as Mr Konstanti. T

The average age of killed Russian soldiers in that war is roughly 38 to 40 years old. Volunteers and mobilized personnel in their mid-40s comprise a disproportionately large ratio of these fatalities, with men aged 35 to 47 representing the largest single group of confirmed war dead.

He may have left Russia to avoid Putin's Special Operation but also cut all his social ties that might have greatly depressed him.

... possibly facing the reality of having to return to Russia and subsequent conscription?

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8 hours ago, Nemises said:

‘A history of depression’ explains far more than his location ever could. Sadly, moving to Thailand isn’t a cure for depression. RIP. 🙏

It can be that when we fly away to the ends of the Earth, our demons/troubles fly with us.

RIP

At age 45, Russian law requires the replacement of the internal passport (the domestic ID). This is mandated by Government Decree No. 828 and Ministry of Internal Affairs Order No. 851.

• The internal passport can only be replaced inside Russia (MFC, GUVM, Gosuslugi).

• It cannot be renewed at embassies or consulates abroad.

This is why many Russians living abroad think they must “go back to Russia at 45” — but this only applies to the internal passport.

Thanks, Copilot!

6 hours ago, impulse said:

It may be that simple, and tragic. But if I were the guy's next of kin, I'd hope for a more thorough investigation.

A more thorough investigation of what aspect of the incident that does appear to be subject to investigation but also appears to be fairly straightforward? Do you have information that suggests the authorities investigation is not being thorough?

A more thorough investigation of what aspect of the incident that does appear to be subject to investigation but also appears to be fairly straightforward? Do you have information that suggests the authorities investigation is not being thorough?

None, other than a myriad of stories over the years from bereaved relatives back home that aren't satisfied with the level of diligence. They are convinced that their loved one was murdered, but the investigation (if there was one) was woefully inadequate. Often, with corroborating evidence from examination of the body when it was repatriated. And not just Thailand.

With a ruptured liver and spleen?........Just like the Phuket Land guy about ten years ago?

6 hours ago, Explorator en Action said:

Who knows what provoked him to end his life, Rest in Peace. My only question is “why naked” ?? Only a post mortem autopsy will provide more information, was it self inflicted, or did he have help?? Does anyone know if it is normal for someone to hang themselves naked?? I certainly wouldn’t, I’m too shy for that.

Peace

It is not normal for someone to hang themselves full stop. 🙈

Another tragic end of these foreigners who come to Thailand thinking that the climate, the booze, the food, the ladies and lovely environment will automatically solve their inner issues and mental problems.

23 hours ago, ronster said:

How big was the gap at the bottom of the door they could see him sitting in the room unclothed 😳

Big enough, obviously!

Should have gone home earlier rather than hanging about in Thailand.

On 7/1/2026 at 1:15 AM, ronster said:

How big was the gap at the bottom of the door they could see him sitting in the room unclothed 😳

Big enough, if you use a simple bore scope, connected to a phone.