In a sorrowful incident, a 53-year-old tourist from Switzerland unfortunately lost his life at Phuket International Airport. He was reported to have plummeted from one of the airport’s parking structures. The chief of Sakhu Police Station, Police Colonel Salan Santisatsanakul, announced that the distress call regarding the fall was received around 7:30 pm.
The police officers who responded to the emergency found blood stains on the ground level of the parking structure. The Swiss national, whose identity is yet to be disclosed until his family has been notified, was immediately transferred to Thalang Hospital. But the tragedy ran its full course; by the time he was brought to the hospital, he had unfortunately succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by Police Colonel Salan.
Upon preliminary evaluation, the police suspect that the Swiss national’s fall was not an accident but a deliberate act. The suspicion was corroborated by the statement of a security guard who mentioned that he saw the man meticulously checking the area all day.
This is the second such incident within a short period. A month ago, a 50-year-old Australian tourist met a similar fate at the same parking structure of the airport. Following these unfortunate events, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that the Tourist Assistance Centre (TAC) of the airport is collaborating with the Swiss consulate office in Phuket to get in touch with the family of the deceased.
Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol also announced an upcoming meeting with relevant agencies to discuss the improvement of safety measures at the airport in the wake of these incidents. For travelers who require assistance or face difficulties, she recommended contacting the airport’s TAC or the local tourist police, who are also located at other national airports. As an alternative, tourists can also reach out to the tourist police’s call center at 1155, says a report by the Bangkok Post.
If anyone finds themselves in emotional distress, they are encouraged to connect with the Samaritans of Thailand’s 24-hour hotline at 02 713 6791 (for English speakers), 02 713 6793 (for Thai speakers), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323. People dealing with feelings of loneliness, tension, or depression, should also reach out to their friends or relatives and seek help during this time.
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