The Russian Embassy in Thailand has confirmed that Russian businessman Mikhail Pokrashenko has died in Pattaya on Sunday morning. Local police are investigating the cause of the death.
A local newspaper has dubbed the incident as “mysterious”. According to Pattaya Daily News newspaper, the man’s body was found in room 505 of the Royal Palace Hotel. Shortly beforehand, the man had been released from the hospital where he was receiving treatment.
Pattaya Daily has also reported that around Pokrashenko’s neck there was a “relatively tight length of string or necklace” that had “evidence of blood” on it. It is alleged to have left slight bruising around the neck.
The man was also wearing an expensive watch, diamond ring and other jewelry that remained untouched, as well as $15,000 on his bedside table.
Investigators have found no signs of struggle in the room.
The Russian consul to Thailand Andrey Dvornikov told Itar-Tass news agency that the man “was an invalid bound to wheelchair for more than 14 years.” He added that the man had come to Thailand many times for treatment.
The official added that no arrests have been made as of yet. “We maintain constant contact with the police,” he added.