KOH PHANGAN, Thailand – Police are investigating the death of a 54-year-old British tourist whose body was discovered early morning on June 3, lying face-down and partially unclothed on Jao Phao Beach on Koh Phangan. The deceased, identified as Ms. Alison Stuart, was found wearing only an orange bra, with her underwear later discovered washed up nearby.
Local police from Koh Phangan station, along with rescue volunteers and a hospital physician, responded to the scene after receiving a report at around 6:30 AM. Initial examinations revealed no signs of assault or injuries, although the upper part of the body was covered in sand and debris. The body was transferred to Koh Phangan Hospital for further autopsy.
Teerapong, a local resident who discovered the body during his morning walk, told police he immediately alerted authorities. According to preliminary findings, Ms. Stuart had been staying at a nearby bungalow for over a month and was scheduled to return to the UK on June 11.
Witness accounts reveal that on June 2, the deceased reportedly fell and hit her head outside a convenience store. When offered help, she refused medical attention. A good Samaritan escorted her back to her accommodation, where she was later seen drinking and walking alone toward the beach. She was not seen again until her body was found the next morning.
Upon searching her room, police confirmed that her passport and belongings were intact, ruling out foul play or theft. A hospital autopsy, including X-ray analysis, revealed a significant amount of sand and seawater in her lungs, leading authorities to suspect accidental drowning as the likely cause of death.
The investigation remains ongoing, pending toxicology results and further autopsy confirmation.
