Singaporean Tourist Passes Away After Massage at Phuket Beach
A second tragic incident in a weekend raises concerns over massage safety in Thailand's popular tourist destination.
PHUKET – In a tragic incident that underscores the need for caution with vacation activities, a Singaporean tourist passed away following a lengthy massage on the renowned Patong Beach in Phuket, Thailand.
The event marked the second such fatality in the region over the weekend, sparking discussion over the safety protocols in place for popular tourist services.
According to Patong police chief, Pol Col Chalermchai Hernsawad, authorities were contacted late Saturday evening by a beach massage establishment reporting an emergency situation involving the tourist.
The individual, identified as Lee Mun Tuck, aged 52, had reportedly received a 45-minute oil body massage on the beach.
Observers noted that following the massage, Mr. Lee appeared to relax but subsequently ceased breathing.
Despite immediate efforts by the massage staff to revive Mr. Lee with CPR, he unfortunately did not regain consciousness.
Emergency medical responders arrived swiftly, but were unable to alter the outcome.
As police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Lee’s sudden death, further details such as the name of the massage shop remain undisclosed.
His spouse, accompanying him on the trip, has opted against an autopsy, choosing instead to repatriate his body for religious rites back in Singapore.
The incident is particularly striking as it follows another death involving massage services over the same weekend: a local _luk thung-_mor lam_ singer succumbed following three separate massage sessions, two of which concentrated on the neck.
With Phuket being a favored destination among international tourists, this tragic series of events highlights the importance of ensuring safety and regulatory adherence in the tourism sector.
Authorities may need to evaluate current standards and guidelines to prevent such unfortunate occurrences in the future and to safeguard the welfare of tourists partaking in local offerings such as massage services.
The event marked the second such fatality in the region over the weekend, sparking discussion over the safety protocols in place for popular tourist services.
According to Patong police chief, Pol Col Chalermchai Hernsawad, authorities were contacted late Saturday evening by a beach massage establishment reporting an emergency situation involving the tourist.
The individual, identified as Lee Mun Tuck, aged 52, had reportedly received a 45-minute oil body massage on the beach.
Observers noted that following the massage, Mr. Lee appeared to relax but subsequently ceased breathing.
Despite immediate efforts by the massage staff to revive Mr. Lee with CPR, he unfortunately did not regain consciousness.
Emergency medical responders arrived swiftly, but were unable to alter the outcome.
As police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Lee’s sudden death, further details such as the name of the massage shop remain undisclosed.
His spouse, accompanying him on the trip, has opted against an autopsy, choosing instead to repatriate his body for religious rites back in Singapore.
The incident is particularly striking as it follows another death involving massage services over the same weekend: a local _luk thung-_mor lam_ singer succumbed following three separate massage sessions, two of which concentrated on the neck.
With Phuket being a favored destination among international tourists, this tragic series of events highlights the importance of ensuring safety and regulatory adherence in the tourism sector.
Authorities may need to evaluate current standards and guidelines to prevent such unfortunate occurrences in the future and to safeguard the welfare of tourists partaking in local offerings such as massage services.
