Mystery Death: 30-Year-Old Foreign Man Found Dead Near Cannabis in Phuket Rental Home
A 30-year-old Turkish man was found dead in a Phuket rental home on May 26, with cannabis and drug paraphernalia nearby; the cause of death remains under investigation pending autopsy results.
On May 26, 2025, Phuket's Kamala Police Station received a report of a foreign national found dead in a rental house in Kamala subdistrict, Kathu district. Officers discovered the body of 30-year-old Turkish national Cumhur Berkay Bas on the third floor bedroom near the door. The body showed no signs of injury or violence, though there was discharge around the face and vomit in the toilet.
According to initial investigation, 27-year-old Turkish friend Emre Erdil, who discovered the body, stated that around 3 a.m. the deceased was still alive, complaining of cough, vomiting, and back pain. Erdil said the victim regularly used cannabis to manage these symptoms, often combined with medication. On the night in question, the deceased consumed cannabis before they separated to sleep in different rooms.
When Erdil woke around 3 p.m., he found his friend dead and immediately contacted authorities. Police found cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and traces of use in the room, but detected no signs of break-in, theft, or struggle.
Authorities conducted an autopsy with forensic doctors from Vachira Phuket Hospital. The body has been transferred to Patong Hospital for preservation pending legal procedures and investigation into the actual cause of death. Police are coordinating with the Turkish embassy to notify relatives and arrange religious funeral rites.
