At 6:20 AM on June 3, Koh Phangan Police Station in Surat Thani Province received a report via radio from the 191 emergency center about a deceased woman found on Chao Phao Beach, Moo 8, Ban Sri Thanu, Koh Phangan. The station alerted senior officers and dispatched forensic and investigative teams, along with immigration officers, hospital staff, and medical examiners to the scene.
The deceased was identified as Miss Alison Stuart, a 54-year-old British national. Her body was found face-down on the beach, wearing an orange bra and no underwear. Her orange underwear was located approximately five meters away, washed ashore by the tide. Initial examination found no signs of physical assault—only minor bruises and abrasions on her hip and left back, believed to result from a fall the previous day.
An autopsy at Koh Phangan Hospital found large amounts of sand and water in her lungs, leading investigators to suspect death by drowning approximately 6–8 hours before discovery.
Further investigation revealed that Alison had been staying alone at a nearby bungalow since May 14, with plans to stay until June 11. The bungalow owner reported that she frequently swam in the sea and drank alcohol throughout the day. On June 2, witnesses said she appeared intoxicated and had fallen, hitting her body and head near a convenience store about 100 meters from her accommodation. Though slightly injured, she declined medical attention.
There were no signs of struggle or homicide. It is believed she may have entered the sea while intoxicated during the night, when waves were rough, leading to her drowning.
Koh Phangan police have registered the case as an unnatural death (case no. 1812568, dated June 3). They have informed the British Embassy in Thailand and arranged for a detailed autopsy at Surat Thani Hospital’s forensic department. Her underwear was sent to the Central Forensic Science Division Region 9 for evidence testing. Police are also reviewing CCTV footage from the beach and nearby stores and questioning witnesses to determine further details.