Tourist Dies in Phuket Villa Pool Drowning
A 22-year-old Ugandan tourist drowned in a private villa pool in Phuket's Kathu District early July 23 after struggling in the deep end; a companion's rescue attempt failed and authorities are investigating the incident.
Police received a report at 5:15 a.m. on July 23, 2025, of a foreign tourist drowning in a private villa swimming pool in Kathu District, Phuket. Officers rushed to the scene and found the body of Ms. Claire, a 22-year-old from Uganda, face-down at the bottom of the approximately 2-meter-deep pool.
According to initial investigation, an Indian national named Chakeeb, who reported the incident, stated he had arrived in Thailand the previous day and met the victim at an entertainment venue on Bangla Road. After drinking alcohol together, they traveled to the villa. Around 4:00 a.m., both entered the pool. The victim, a weak swimmer, encountered difficulty in the pool with its steep-sloped floor. When she began to drown, Chakeeb attempted to help but was unable to rescue her. He exited the pool and sought assistance, attempting to call emergency services, eventually reaching rescuers around 4:30 a.m.
Initial investigation found no signs of struggle or disturbance in the villa room. The pool lacked nearby life-saving equipment. Police have summoned Chakeeb for further questioning and drug testing procedures. The body has been sent to Vachira Hospital Phuket for autopsy, and authorities are coordinating with the Ugandan embassy to contact the victim's family.
