Thailand’s ‘death island’ Koh Tao claims ANOTHER victim
A TOURIST has become the eleventh person to die in unexplained circumstances on Thailand's notorious 'death island'.
Alexandr Bucspun was found dead in the sea floating off the coast of Koh Tao on Tuesday morning near the Sairee Beach where Brits Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were murdered in 2014.
Police recovered Mr Bucspun's body and took it to the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan where it was then transferred to the mainland and on to a police hospital in Bangkok for a postmortem examination.
Police today said they believe the Moldovan holidaymaker accidentally drowned in the sea but they are interviewing witnesses and checking CCTV.
He is believed to have been dead for around 12 hours when his body was finally hauled ashore.
Provincial police commander Apichart Boonsriroj said: ''His death was caused by drowning. We believe it was most likely an accident. At this moment, we have not found any link to criminal actions.''
Officials have said they contacted the Embassy of The Republic Of Moldova to inform Mr Bucspun's family.
Immigration records show he entered the country on September 26 before travelling to the island, where stayed at the Monsoon Gym and Fight Club.
Witnesses said items belonging to the Moldovan were seen in the early hours of Tuesday morning and police were alerted.
They recovered the body later on Tuesday morning after a search began at first light.
Aran Klaewklong, a security guard from Big Blue Diving shop, told police he found a mobile phone, clothes, a hotel key, shoes and an ID on the beach at 1.30am during a beach patrol.
The items were still there are 3am and he called police, who identified them as belonging to the Moldovan.
Major General Apichart said there were no signs of robbery or attack in the room at the Muay Thai gym where the tourist had been staying.
He added: "Police are investigating the death thoroughly by speaking to witnesses and checking cameras from the area. A full autopsy will show the cause of death."
