Kiwi woman drowns in Thailand
A 24-year-old New Zealand woman has died in an apparent drowning in Thailand.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism (MFAT) confirmed yesterday it was aware of the woman’s death.
Thai police told The Phuket News that the woman’s body was found floating near Phi Phi in Lo Dalum Bay, off the coast of Phuket, on Wednesday.
The woman was spotted by a worker on a boat, who notified police.
Phi Phi Island police spokesman Tanagon Tammakan said the woman was on the island with a tour group, but had decided to stay on without them.
‘‘She remained on Phi Phi by herself and is believed to have drowned while swimming on Wednesday morning. However, details are still under investigation,’’ Tammakan told The Phuket News.
She was wearing a blue bikini top and denim shorts when she was found. Her body was pulled from the water and taken to Koh Phi Phi Hospital.
‘‘The hospital examination revealed no signs of violence on the body and the doctor ruled the cause of death as drowning. She was predicted to have been dead for about six hours before being found.
‘‘She was identified because the tour group contacted police after receiving news reports that the body of a foreign woman had been found. They then confirmed her identity through her tattoos. We have contacted and informed the woman’s relatives,’’ said Lt Tanagon.
The police did not want to disclose the woman’s name at this time.
MFAT said they were providing consular advice to the woman’s family back in New Zealand, and could not comment further.