Police probe mystery death of American tourist, 35, found in hotel room in Thailand
Police are probing the mystery death of an American tourist who was found dead inside his hotel room in Thailand.
Gray Allen Smith, 35, from Colorado, had been due to check out of his room at the Anudee Hotel in Phuket but failed to leave at the scheduled time.
Staff went to check on him on Sunday afternoon, but no one was answering the door.
They opened the room with a spare key and were shocked to find the American tourist lifeless on the bed.
Police were called to the hotel in the holiday island's party district, Patong, where Smith was found shirtless and lying at the edge of his bed.
He was foaming at the mouth, while a phone and vape were collected near his body.
Officers said there were no signs of a struggle or ransacking inside the room, and no other people were present when they arrived.
They carried out a preliminary examination of Allen's body and documented the scene with photographs.
His body was then taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a post-mortem exam.
Police Lieutenant Sakwanat Damchaom of Patong Police Station said: ‘We have coordinated with the US Embassy to notify his relatives to retrieve him for religious ceremonies.
‘His cause of death remains under investigation in accordance with official procedures.'
The grim discovery comes after American tourist Jacorey Donte Gadis was found dead in his hotel room also in Patong, Phuket, on September 7, five days after he was last seen alive.
Gadis, who had checked into the Patong Harbor View Hotel on September 1, was found naked on the floor after staff became concerned when he failed to check out on September 6.
While American pensioner Donald James Malherek, 67, from Washington, was found dead at his rubbish-strewn home on Koh Samui on September 1.
A shocked neighbour found him when the pensioner failed to pay his rent on time.
The island of Phuket's combination of idyllic beaches and colourful nightlife has seen it become one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
However, the influx of tourists has caused a surge in violence, depravity and petty crime - with many locals now regretting throwing open the doors to boost the economy.
Patong, where the Smith was found dead, is the centre of Phuket's notorious party scene and attracts thousands of holidaymakers each year.
