PHUKET, Thailand – A 90-year-old British man was found dead at his villa in Phuket on August 16 after apparently becoming trapped in a chair, with police estimating he had been dead for approximately four to six hours when his housekeeper discovered him. Investigators believe he may have suffered positional asphyxia after being unable to move from a position that obstructed his breathing, as he was found with both arms raised and his legs pointing upwards, with his phone and wallet on the floor nearby while a packet of biscuits and an uncapped bottle of water were found on a table.

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The man, who had lived in Thailand for some time, was staying at the villa with a housekeeper, according to Choeng Thale Police Station, and investigators believe he may have leaned back while eating biscuits and trying to drink water, then suffered a serious back injury that, given his age and severity, left him unable to pull himself upright again. Police Lieutenant Uratthaya Raengtakorn said the housekeeper had seen him well during the morning but returned in the afternoon to find him dead in the chair, with no indication that another person had been involved, adding that it appeared he had slumped or fallen into that position and, because of his age, was unable to move himself back up.

Horror as Brit pensioner found dead in Thailand https://t.co/JkIQrFKZXM

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A post-mortem examination will determine the exact cause of death, and police were also examining whether blood may have pooled in his head after he remained in the position for a prolonged period. The man had appeared generally healthy and strong, though authorities did not know whether he had any underlying medical conditions, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it was supporting the family of the British national who died in Thailand.

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The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of elderly individuals living alone abroad, particularly in cases where mobility issues or sudden injuries can lead to fatal outcomes.

-Thailand News (TN)