French Tourist Dies After Night of Heavy Drinking on Phi Phi Island
A French tourist died in the early hours of July 25 after being found unconscious from heavy alcohol consumption and brought to Phi Phi Police Station for his safety, according to local authorities. The incident has raised concerns over tourist health and safety on Thailand’s island destinations.
The tourist, identified only as Mr. David, aged 55, was discovered deceased on a station sofa by officers conducting a morning welfare check around 5:50 a.m., said police at Phi Phi Police Station. He had been brought to the station late on July 24 after being found severely intoxicated near Slinky Beach, a well-known nightlife area on Koh Phi Phi.
Initially, patrol officers transported Mr. David to World Med Hospital on Slinky Soi after finding him nearly unresponsive. However, hospital staff soon contacted police, requesting that he be escorted back to his accommodation once stabilized. Due to his continued unconsciousness, officers determined it was not safe to return him and opted instead to let him rest at the police station.
By 10:00 p.m., Mr. David was asleep on a sofa in the front area of the station. When Lieutenant Aphilak Suwanlikit checked on him the next morning, he discovered that the tourist had stopped breathing. Emergency services were immediately alerted, and the body was transferred to Phi Phi Hospital for examination.
Medical staff confirmed there were no immediate signs of foul play, though a full autopsy is pending. Authorities have contacted the French embassy to inform the deceased’s family.
The case underscores broader safety concerns regarding alcohol consumption among international visitors, especially on islands known for their vibrant nightlife scenes.
