An Australian tourist was discovered deceased in a massage establishment on Thailand’s popular island of Koh Samui after staff initially believed he was simply resting.
Local police in Bo Phut, a coastal area known for its beaches and resorts, received the report early on 7 July. Officers identified the man as Christopher, a 43-year-old resident of Brisbane, Australia.
According to police statements, Christopher had arrived at the massage parlour shortly after midnight, alone and barefoot. He requested a traditional oil massage—a common practice in Thailand combining aromatherapy oils with gentle pressure—and paid 400 baht (approximately 11 USD) for a one-hour session.
Ms Premyupa, 47, the staff member who provided the massage, explained that after the treatment, the man asked to rest on the massage bed. When she checked on him about ten minutes later, he appeared to be sleeping comfortably, so she left him undisturbed while attending to other clients.
She reported that around 4:00 a.m., she could still hear him snoring. However, when she later returned to wake him, he was unresponsive. Staff immediately called for emergency medical assistance. Paramedics arrived shortly after but confirmed that he had died.
The body was found lying diagonally across the bed in a small massage area on the building’s second floor. Each room in the establishment measures about 2 by 3 meters and contains a simple bed for treatments.
Police stated that the man had been holidaying on Koh Samui with his wife but had visited the massage parlour alone from nearby accommodation.
Authorities have arranged for a post-mortem examination at Koh Samui Hospital to determine the cause of death. At this time, police reported no indications of foul play.
The Australian embassy has been notified, and local authorities are continuing to assist the family during this process. Expats and tourists visiting Thailand are advised to seek medical attention promptly if feeling unwell, especially when travelling alone.
