Phuket Police Rule Out Murder In Aussie Tourist’s Death

[george]

Phuket Police rule out murder in Aussie tourist’s death

Patong's Soi Bangla is the center of Phuket's tourist-oriented

adult entertainment.

PATONG, PHUKET: -- Kathu Police have been unable to track down and question two Thai women seen entering a hotel room with an Australian man who was found dead by hotel staff later the same day.

Police Duty Officer Lt Weerapong Rakkhito identified the deceased as 45-year-old Australian national Brian Martin Hickey.

Staff at the PS 2 Inn in central Patong discovered Mr Hickey’s body on his bed in room 304 at about 1pm on Thursday.

Mr Hickey checked into the hotel at about 3am the same day with two Thai women, staff told police.

When he failed to check out later in the day, staff knocked on the door and then used the master key to open the room.

Finding the goateed Australian dead on the large bed, they immediately notified police.

Officers arrived with Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers who took Mr Hickey’s remains to Patong Hospital for examination.

Police estimated the time of death at about 10 hours before the discovery of the body.

Lt Weerapong told the Gazette the deceased was an annual visitor to Patong.

He was staying with his wife and some friends at the Holiday Inn in Patong at the time, having arrived in Phuket on October 5.

His death came just a few days before he was scheduled to leave the island, Lt Weerapong said.

Mr Hickey’s remains were sent to the Police Hospital in Bangkok for further examination.

Australian Embassy officials and the deceased’s family are scheduled to repatriate his body to his home country tomorrow morning, he said.

Despite the strange circumstances and timing behind the death, it appears that the Kathu Police are no longer investigating the case as a possible homicide.

“It’s very sure that his death was not the result of murder because there were no wounds on his body.

“It was most likely the result of a heart attack, but we cannot be certain until we get the results of the autopsy report in two or three week’s time,” the police said.

A local blog quoted Kathu Police Superintendent Grissak Songmoonnark as saying Mr Hickey’s wife understood the circumstances behind his death and did not suspect foul play.

The same report also quoted a doctor at Patong Hospital as saying he suspected cardiac failure as the cause of Mr Hickey’s demise.

As for the Thai women who escorted Mr Hickey to his room, staff at the hotel told the Gazette they did not know what time the two left.

Lt Weerapong said police have been unable to locate the two woman for questioning.

Mr Hickey’s death is the latest in a number of mysterious deaths of foreign tourists staying in Patong.

Among the unsolved cases are the deaths of 22-year-old UK national Joseph John Nason in early November last year and the apparent murder of Danish national Henrik Rasmussen in February the same year.

-- Phuket Gazette 2009-10-17

[brahmburgers]

As it's Patong, Phuket, ....how can observers be sure it was women and not katoy - who visited the man's room?

Either way, RIP dude.

[onnut]

I feel very sorry for his wife.

By the way. Why would his wife not suspect foul play?

[siamiam]

Phuket Police rule out murder in Aussie tourist's death

Despite the strange circumstances and timing behind the death, it appears that the Kathu Police are no longer investigating the case as a possible homicide.

"It's very sure that his death was not the result of murder because there were no wounds on his body.

"It was most likely the result of a heart attack, but we cannot be certain until we get the results of the autopsy report in two or three week's time," the police said.

With there being the possibility that his two room mates could have drugged him, I would think that the police would want to wait for a toxicology report before pronouncing the death a non-homicide.

[cognos]

My wife and I are in Canada for a while, and she told her sister in Phuket that I want to stay in thailand all the time. Her sister replied..stay in Canada..many problem here all the time. I only go to Bangla road once a year, because its like a drug, pleasant at the time but you know its no good for you. I also go with a buddy, a part time tourist policeman. I guess I'm lucky not to be single any more, or I know I would go there more. Be careful fellows!!

[moe666]

Why such a over reaction? How many thousands of tourist come to Thailand each year and have no problems.

There are always those who attract problems to themselves by their behavior and the company they keep. Great move on his part, on holiday with wife and picks up a couple of hookers.

Too bad for the family.

[DegenFarang]

Wife probably knew he had a heart condition, maybe he had been hospitalized recently.

Guess a threesome was just too much fun for him and he croaked.

[TheGoodDoctor]

Good bye Blue Eyes.

[sassienie]

So here we have yet another, we don`t know why or how he/she died Farang death in Thailand that will be placed in the ever increasing numbers of that will soon be forgotten statistical deaths.

It appears that unless a cause of death is blatantly obvious to the police and if in the event of a murder the perpetrator doesn’t give him/her self up or is easily caught, than the Thai authorities will not fund the amounts required to provide for a detailed investigation to a cause of death or the capture of the murderers.

Easier and cheaper to either leave the case open or write it off, completely.

Maybe the attitude is, they are not one of our citizens, so who cares?

[cougar52]

It appears that unless a cause of death is blatantly obvious to the police and if in the event of a murder the perpetrator doesn’t give him/her self up or is easily caught, than the Thai authorities will not fund the amounts required to provide for a detailed investigation to a cause of death or the capture of the murderers.

Yes, I agree makes be remember the case of a few months ago about the German Engineer that was blown apart in a Rubber tree plantation by what was frist reported that he was blown up by C-4, then it was it was a grenade, then it was suicide from a granade that he was so distraught to drive from Bangkok to a place outside Pattaya in his BMW to take his life by straping a granade on his body and blowing up his upper torso. So unbelievable Thailand.

[marsteele]

Phuket Police rule out murder in Aussie tourist's death

Despite the strange circumstances and timing behind the death, it appears that the Kathu Police are no longer investigating the case as a possible homicide.

"It's very sure that his death was not the result of murder because there were no wounds on his body.

"It was most likely the result of a heart attack, but we cannot be certain until we get the results of the autopsy report in two or three week's time," the police said.

With there being the possibility that his two room mates could have drugged him, I would think that the police would want to wait for a toxicology report before pronouncing the death a non-homicide.

Yes I agree. Thai Authorities are quick to solve cases involving tourists. Tourists in Thailand are never the subject of foul play they just come here and drop dead and it always seems to be in areas like Pattaya and Phuket. It seems strange to me but maybe it is the water in these areas.

[choppychugger]

I feel sorry for his wife - can't be nice to find out that your partner died whilst sneaking off to a short time hotel.

There was also no mention of whether the man had been robbed of his possesions ? If this was the case then you could suspect foul play.

Chopy

[brahmburgers]

No signs of injury, therefore died of natural means?

How about murder by suffocating with pillow?

At least the cops didn't call it suicide, as they so often do, because it's the lazier option and less likely, than murder or foul play, to besmirch the reputation of a tourist venue.

[screamingeagle]

As it's Patong, Phuket, ....how can observers be sure it was women and not katoy - who visited the man's room?

Either way, RIP dude.

"it was women and not katoy". What has that go to do with anything. Unless you are homophobic. Dear oh dear....

[britmaveric]

Katoeys have recent MO of drugging their victims, nothing to do with being a homophobe.

[animatic]

Anyone who would drink from an unattended open container in a hotel room

with two recently rounded up bargirls, or what-evers, is just being grossly incautious.

Not saying this is the case here, but certainly fits one of the likely scenarios well.

Heart attack is also of course a logical possibility too. Excessive Viagra causing a stroke?

With two younger, wilder, players to satisfy this might be quite logical too.

Yes, I give full sympathies for the poor wife's heartache in this situation.

[lordsux]

So here we have yet another, we don`t know why or how he/she died Farang death in Thailand that will be placed in the ever increasing numbers of that will soon be forgotten statistical deaths.

It appears that unless a cause of death is blatantly obvious to the police and if in the event of a murder the perpetrator doesn’t give him/her self up or is easily caught, than the Thai authorities will not fund the amounts required to provide for a detailed investigation to a cause of death or the capture of the murderers.

Easier and cheaper to either leave the case open or write it off, completely.

Maybe the attitude is, they are not one of our citizens, so who cares?

Another heading for the statistic book Incinerated Foreigner

[geriatrickid]

No signs of injury, therefore died of natural means?

How about murder by suffocating with pillow?

Because, suffocation usually leaves a few clues like cyanosis and petechiae etc. Not full proof, but a strong indicator. If the deceased had an underlying cardiovascular condition it may very well have been natural.

[Rumfoord]

No signs of injury, therefore died of natural means?

How about murder by suffocating with pillow?

Because, suffocation usually leaves a few clues like cyanosis and petechiae etc. Not full proof, but a strong indicator. If the deceased had an underlying cardiovascular condition it may very well have been natural.

i am surprised that the thaivisa armchair detectives didn't came up with their usual main suspect yet: the wife.

[BSJ]

i am surprised that the thaivisa armchair detectives didn't came up with their usual main suspect yet: the wife.

Hi Rumfoord, that was the first thing I thought of!

She's aware the hubby is dipping his pen in someone elses ink pot, so she devises an elaborate plan to do away with him. The perfect solution. A third world country (yes it is true) with corruptible police, more shady characters than you could poke a stick at, him with generous life insurance, her as the beneficiary. She's as guilty as hel_l.....lets hang the bitch!

[Bolo]

i am surprised that the thaivisa armchair detectives didn't came up with their usual main suspect yet: the wife.

Hi Rumfoord, that was the first thing I thought of!

She's aware the hubby is dipping his pen in someone elses ink pot, so she devises an elaborate plan to do away with him. The perfect solution. A third world country (yes it is true) with corruptible police, more shady characters than you could poke a stick at, him with generous life insurance, her as the beneficiary. She's as guilty as hel_l.....lets hang the bitch!

You old fawts. You guys read too many Agatha Christy books.

[TAWP]

Hmmm...

Staff at the PS 2 Inn in central Patong discovered Mr Hickey’s body on his bed in room 304 at about 1pm on Thursday.

Mr Hickey checked into the hotel at about 3am the same day with two Thai women, staff told police.

Police estimated the time of death at about 10 hours before the discovery of the body.

He was staying with his wife and some friends at the Holiday Inn in Patong at the time, having arrived in Phuket on October 5.

As for the Thai women who escorted Mr Hickey to his room, staff at the hotel told the Gazette they did not know what time the two left.

So, since the didn't check the room until 1pm, he payed for a full night. Not a ST deal - for the room at least.

He was found at 1pm and the death was calculated to be...10 hours earlier. That is 3pm.

He checked in 3 pm with 2 females. They might have been ST ladies. But room was payed for LT, so most likely the girls was contracted then for LT, until morning.

He might have gotten a heart-attack. Or been drugged. Or...

In either way, they skipped the scene.

In the end it is written of as 'meh', and I cannot help but to feel someone didn't do all they could have done...

Perhaps it should be a crime to leave the scene of a crime or not call an ambulance for someone clearly in need of one. The 'Good Samaritan'-law that there has been talks about in other states. Atleast during a transition period until people in general get a sense of decency and act with compassion towards one another...

[nisakiman]

i am surprised that the thaivisa armchair detectives didn't came up with their usual main suspect yet: the wife.

Hi Rumfoord, that was the first thing I thought of!

She's aware the hubby is dipping his pen in someone elses ink pot, so she devises an elaborate plan to do away with him. The perfect solution. A third world country (yes it is true) with corruptible police, more shady characters than you could poke a stick at, him with generous life insurance, her as the beneficiary. She's as guilty as hel_l.....lets hang the bitch!

Despite the "what a way to go" factor, the circumstances do seem to make death from natural causes seem a little unconvincing. I guess those of us from the western world are accustomed to there being a fairly exhaustive inquiry by the police when someone dies in a questionable way.

[globalwander1]

Phuket Police rule out murder in Aussie tourist's death

Patong's Soi Bangla is the center of Phuket's tourist-oriented

adult entertainment.

PATONG, PHUKET: -- Kathu Police have been unable to track down and question two Thai women seen entering a hotel room with an Australian man who was found dead by hotel staff later the same day.

Police Duty Officer Lt Weerapong Rakkhito identified the deceased as 45-year-old Australian national Brian Martin Hickey.

Staff at the PS 2 Inn in central Patong discovered Mr Hickey's body on his bed in room 304 at about 1pm on Thursday.

Mr Hickey checked into the hotel at about 3am the same day with two Thai women, staff told police.

When he failed to check out later in the day, staff knocked on the door and then used the master key to open the room.

Finding the goateed Australian dead on the large bed, they immediately notified police.

Officers arrived with Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers who took Mr Hickey's remains to Patong Hospital for examination.

Police estimated the time of death at about 10 hours before the discovery of the body.

Lt Weerapong told the Gazette the deceased was an annual visitor to Patong.

He was staying with his wife and some friends at the Holiday Inn in Patong at the time, having arrived in Phuket on October 5.

His death came just a few days before he was scheduled to leave the island, Lt Weerapong said.

Mr Hickey's remains were sent to the Police Hospital in Bangkok for further examination.

Australian Embassy officials and the deceased's family are scheduled to repatriate his body to his home country tomorrow morning, he said.

Despite the strange circumstances and timing behind the death, it appears that the Kathu Police are no longer investigating the case as a possible homicide.

"It's very sure that his death was not the result of murder because there were no wounds on his body.

"It was most likely the result of a heart attack, but we cannot be certain until we get the results of the autopsy report in two or three week's time," the police said.

A local blog quoted Kathu Police Superintendent Grissak Songmoonnark as saying

The same report also quoted a doctor at Patong Hospital as saying he suspected cardiac failure as the cause of Mr Hickey's demise.

As for the Thai women who escorted Mr Hickey to his room, staff at the hotel told the Gazette they did not know what time the two left.

Lt Weerapong said police have been unable to locate the two woman for questioning.

Mr Hickey's death is the latest in a number of mysterious deaths of foreign tourists staying in Patong.

Among the unsolved cases are the deaths of 22-year-old UK national Joseph John Nason in early November last year and the apparent murder of Danish national Henrik Rasmussen in February the same year.

-- Phuket Gazette 2009-10-17

The wifey is falang or thai?

Mr Hickey's wife understood the circumstances behind his death and did not suspect foul play. Then why didn't she make a statement of a medical condition? Bulls(*t

Also looks he died the moment he entered the room.Nice!

I think the police need to take courses on creative writing along with an Agatha Christy novel. Perhaps they should hire us STUPID FARANG to write their reports for them. Atleast they would be believable.

[david96]

Death by heart failure can occur at any time and in any place and is more common than one may think in males

between 40 and 50.

The hospital where he was taken will issue a death certificate. There is no indication that the Australian Consulate

is concerned.

[annoyed]

His wife is a beautiful person and would be extremely upset to read this.

[jayjayjayjay]

Any chance anesthetic abuse by said ladies could be an angle, seems to be a lot of this going on in Asia at the moment, a colleague having a less than savory experience in Vietnam 4 months ago!

[aussie35]

I personally know the deceased, is it not enough that the wife and kids have to deal with the death of their loved one, without being accused of murder by people on this forum!!!

Brian loved his wife and children, I am sure everyone has done things that regret, and I am sure this is the case here!

Please show some respect, like if it was your family and you had to read this!

[blubberboybob]

I'd put my money on heart attack due to too many viagra........it happens all the time in Pattaya.

I've heard stories about guys popping 3 x 100mg pills at a time.

Edited October 19, 2009 by blubberboybob

[globalwander1]

I personally know the deceased, is it not enough that the wife and kids have to deal with the death of their loved one, without being accused of murder by people on this forum!!!

Brian loved his wife and children, I am sure everyone has done things that regret, and I am sure this is the case here!

Please show some respect, like if it was your family and you had to read this!

You are right. This is a tragedy and I am deeply sorry for the entire family. I'm sure posts have been cold and undeserving even though they were directed toward the investigators. This is no reason to make the assumption open ended or suggestive by me or anyone else.