UPDATE: A 54-year-old Western Australian man has been found dead in a Thailand apartment, just two hours after a Swedish national was discovered deceased in the same building. Michael Shane Caola was found face-down in a pool of blood at the Grand Shivalay apartment in Pattaya around 4pm on Thursday.
When police arrived, they noted broken glass and scattered pill bottles in the room, alongside a rubbish bin filled with discarded medication containers and a scalp vein set box. Caola had a cut on his left elbow from the broken glass, but authorities reported no immediate signs of a struggle.
The alarm was raised by Caola’s relatives, who contacted the apartment manager, Thanchanok Prajit, after failing to reach him by phone for two days. Prajit discovered the room locked from the inside, and a foul odor prompted her to call the police after unlocking the door.
Prajit indicated that Caola was a frequent visitor to the property, often seen exercising. His social media reveals a pattern of regular visits to Thailand, frequently accompanied by a woman believed to be his wife, Phatsaya Caola. The couple has shared moments in Thailand dating back nearly a decade. Following the tragic news, Phatsaya posted on Facebook, “R.I.P Michael Shane,” accompanied by crying emojis.
The cause of Caola’s death remains unknown, pending autopsy results. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed they are providing consular assistance to Caola’s family. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” the spokesperson stated, noting they cannot provide further comments due to privacy obligations.
In a shocking coincidence, just two hours before Caola’s death was discovered, Mika Huotari, a 38-year-old Swedish man, was found dead in a bathtub two floors below. Authorities reported he was discovered naked with a head wound, shortly after a woman was seen leaving the room with a bag.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Saijai Kamjulla of the Pattaya City Police acknowledged the unusual timing of the two deaths but clarified there is “no established link” between the cases. “Since they occurred in the same building within a short time frame, we’re not ruling out any possibilities and will continue to investigate,” he confirmed.
As investigations continue, the Pattaya community is shaken by the sudden deaths in this popular tourist destination, known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife. The situation is developing, and updates are expected as authorities gather more information.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent story.
