Thai embassies and consulates handled reports of 1,320 deaths involving Thai nationals overseas in 2024, based on latest available full year data, the highest figure in five years of data from the Consular Affairs Department.

Annual totals generally range from 1,100 to 1,300, with deaths increasing after Covid-19 restrictions eased and overseas travel and employment resumed. The figures cover assistance cases recorded between 2020 and 2024, as well as notifications from local authorities where deaths occurred.

The issue has received renewed attention following the death of travel YouTuber Hlun Solo, whose real name was Bowornthat Pengsuk. His death prompted Thai travellers to question the safety risks involved in travelling or living abroad.

Deaths climbed after travel resumed

Consular records show about 920 Thai deaths overseas in 2020, falling to 850 in 2021 before rising to 1,180 in 2022, 1,270 in 2023 and 1,320 in 2024.

The United States recorded the largest number of deaths, followed by South Korea, Japan, Israel and Cambodia. These destinations have sizeable Thai communities, including workers, long-term residents, students and visitors.

Illnesses account for the biggest share

Non-communicable diseases made up an estimated 40 to 45% of deaths. The most common reported conditions were heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and stroke.

Road crashes and workplace incidents accounted for an estimated 18 to 22%, while natural disasters, unrest and violent incidents represented around 8 to 12%. Other cases involved different causes or deaths where a cause could not be clearly established.

Medical research cited in the information found that Thais who died in high-income countries were more likely to have had underlying health conditions. In neighbouring and middle-income countries, accidents and injuries represented a greater proportion of deaths.

Israel and Cambodia cases noted

Deaths of Thai nationals in Israel rose noticeably during 2023 and 2024 following conflict and attacks in the country. About 47 Thais have been reported to have died in Israel between October 2020 and June 2025.

Cambodia also saw a rise in cases involving unclear causes of death, as well as accidents in buildings and workplaces.

The Foreign Ministry said the totals were compiled from annual embassy and consulate-general assistance reports. It cautioned that the actual number may differ slightly, as some Thai nationals live or travel overseas without registering their presence or notifying Thai authorities.

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3 August 2026

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.....and yet over 17,000 Thais died in Thailand during 2024 due to road fatalities.

Maybe a domestic concern should be more appropriate..... Hmmmmmmm....