Australian Tourist Drowns in Phuket Villa Pool
A 45-year-old Australian tourist drowned in a luxury villa pool in Phuket's Thalang district on July 21 while swimming with relatives; authorities are investigating the circumstances.
An Australian tourist died after drowning in the swimming pool of a luxury villa in Phuket on July 21, 2026, according to police. Authorities are investigating the circumstances.
At around 20:00 on July 21, Pol. Lt. Kriengkrai Daokrajai, a deputy investigation inspector at Thalang Police Station, received a report from Thalang Hospital that a foreign tourist had died. The victim was identified as Mrs. Haiyan Hong, 45, an Australian national.
The incident was reported to Pol. Col. Nikorn Chuthong, superintendent of Thalang Police Station, before investigators and a doctor examined the case. Police determined that the woman had drowned in the swimming pool at Villa No. 26 at The Cape Yamu in Pa Khlok subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket.
According to her husband, Mr. Yaxi, the couple and 12 relatives had checked into the villa on July 20 and planned to stay until July 25. At around 16:00 on July 21, they rented jet skis and traveled to Naka Island before returning to the villa at 17:15. They then swam in the villa's pool, which is approximately 3 metres deep, along with about eight relatives.
During the swim, relatives noticed Mrs. Hong submerged in the pool. They pulled her from the water, performed CPR, and called emergency medical services. She was taken to Thalang Hospital, where doctors attempted to save her life but she was pronounced dead.
A preliminary examination by investigators and doctors at Thalang Hospital determined that the cause of death was drowning. The body remains at the hospital pending a detailed autopsy. Police will question relatives who were present, examine CCTV footage, and notify the Australian Embassy as part of the ongoing investigation.
