RAYONG, Thailand — The body of a 49-year-old Indian tourist was discovered in the sea off the coast of Koh Samet, Rayong province, on Saturday, May 17. Authorities now believe the man, identified as Mr. Kakumanu, may have taken his own life, though a full autopsy report is still pending.
Mr. Kakumanu had checked into a hotel on Koh Samet on May 14 and was scheduled to check out on May 16. When hotel staff noticed that he had not vacated the room and had left his belongings behind, they reported his disappearance to local police.
Three days later, local fishermen found his decomposing body lodged in a rocky crevice at Ao Som (Orange Bay), near Wong Duean Beach. The body was discovered with a black plastic bag over the head and a black shoulder bag tied around the neck.
Initial reports from the scene sparked concerns of possible foul play. However, after a thorough investigation, including a review of CCTV footage and evidence recovered from the victim’s hotel room, police have leaned toward suicide as the most likely cause of death.
Investigators from Provincial Police Region 2, led by Police Lieutenant General Yingyot Thepjamnong, found four unused black plastic bags and a 10-meter nylon rope in the victim’s hotel room. A receipt confirmed the bags had been purchased by the deceased himself from a local convenience store.
Surveillance footage further corroborated that Mr. Kakumanu had bought the plastic bags alone and did not appear to have had any altercations or interactions that would suggest a conflict or criminal intent.
Despite early suspicions of murder and theories linking the death to potential theft, personal disputes, or business-related motives, police found no wounds or signs of struggle on the body. The black shoulder bag tied around the deceased’s neck was found empty and torn, but there was no indication of a robbery or forced entry at the hotel.
Authorities are now awaiting final autopsy results from Rayong Hospital to confirm the exact cause of death. The Indian embassy has been notified, and efforts are underway to contact the victim’s family.
The case highlights the complexities involved in investigating foreign deaths in Thailand and underscores the importance of swift and thorough inter-agency cooperation. While suicide is currently the leading theory, authorities are committed to pursuing all leads until a conclusive determination is made.
Editor’s Note:
This article covers a sensitive topic involving the death of an individual. Readers are urged to be discreet and respectful in their comments, especially out of consideration for the deceased and their loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from mental health professionals or local support services.