Long-term illness suspected in death of British expat in Phuket condo

Police believe that a long-term battle against shingles likely claimed the life of British expat Stephen Preston, whose body was found in his seventh-floor condo in Chalong yesterday (Sept 8).

Maj Wuttiwat Leangboonjinda of the Chalong Police and Kusoldharm rescue workers were called to Telburi Condominium in Soi Na Yai at about 5:30pm after a maid entered Mr Preston’s condo and discovered his body on the floor near the sofa.

“We found no signs of foul play, assault or robbery in the room or on the body. We believe the victim died at least five days before his body was found,” Maj Wuttiwat said.

Security staff at the condo complex told police that that Mr Preston, a 53-year-old from Gloucester, was last seen at 7pm on September 3.

“A guard saw him parking his motorbike and walking up to his room alone,” Maj Wuttiwat said.

“One of Mr Preston’s friends said that he came to Thailand two years ago after he retired from his job,” Maj Wuttiwat added.

“Apparently he had suffered a head injury in a motorbike accident that left him with memory issues. He was also apparently fighting off shingles and had been on medication for more than five years.

“We are now waiting for doctors at Vachira hospital to confirm the cause of death, but at this stage we believe that his long-term battle with illnesses played a key role in his death.”

The British authorities and his family have been notified, Maj Wuttiwat added.

Phuket News

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