Dutchman, 54, found dead in Thai hotel room with wrist wound and knife in bloody tub. Body found beside bed, sparking police probe. Suicide suspected, but murder not ruled out. Autopsy, CCTV and forensics underway as investigators seek answers.
Thai police in Ayutthaya, about 80 km from Bangkok, are investigating the suspicious death of a Dutch man found in a hotel room on Sunday afternoon. While initial evidence points to suicide, police have not ruled out murder. The man appeared to have cut himself in the bathtub but was found dead beside the bed—an inconsistency now central to the case. A full investigation is underway, including forensic analysis and an autopsy, as detectives work to determine whether the death was self-inflicted or a possible homicide.
A 54-year-old Dutchman was found dead in a hotel room in Thailand’s Ayutthaya province on Sunday afternoon. The case is being treated as suspicious. Police are investigating both suicide and homicide as possible causes.
The deceased, identified as Mr. Ronald Delft, had been staying at the hotel alone for three days. He was due to check out at noon on Sunday. However, he never came down to the reception desk. As a result, hotel staff became concerned and alerted the authorities at around 1:00 p.m.
According to police, a housekeeper entered the room using a spare key after repeated calls went unanswered. Inside, she discovered Mr. Delft’s body lying face-up on the floor beside the bed. He was wearing only a pair of shorts. Bloodstains were visible on the bed and in the bathtub.
Knife found in blood-filled bathtub as body discovered beside hotel bed in suspicious circumstances
Police said the bathtub was partially filled with water mixed with blood. When officers drained it, they found a fruit knife submerged at the bottom. It was approximately four inches long and may have been used in the incident.
Mr. Delft had a deep wound on his left wrist. Based on early forensic analysis, officials estimate he had been dead for six to seven hours before discovery.
Additionally, investigators found bottles of liquor and soft drinks scattered around the room. More importantly, they found a handwritten note in English near the bed.
The note listed contact details for Mr. Delft’s brother and the Dutch embassy in Bangkok. Because of its possible relevance, the note has been taken in for forensic examination.
Although initial signs point toward self-harm, police have not ruled out the possibility of foul play. According to investigators, Mr. Delft appeared to have been staying completely alone.
Police review CCTV and digital evidence as investigation focuses on timeline and room activity during stay
No signs of forced entry were found, but authorities are reviewing all available CCTV footage.
Moreover, investigators are looking into digital evidence, including Mr. Delft’s phone and online communications.
Deputy Inspector Pleang Pankaew of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station is leading the investigation. He confirmed that no one else was registered to stay in the room with Mr. Delft. Even so, police say they are keeping all options open while waiting for the autopsy results.
The body has been transported to Thammasat University Hospital for postmortem examination. This will help determine the exact cause and time of death. Until then, police are treating the room as a secured crime scene.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to notify Mr. Delft’s relatives in the Netherlands. The Dutch embassy has also been informed and is expected to assist with the next steps. This includes arrangements for the repatriation of Mr. Delft’s body and religious rites.
Stress considered a possible factor as police check hotel logs and verify the victim’s travel history
While no motive has been officially suggested, stress is considered a potential factor. Mr. Delft may have been dealing with emotional or mental health challenges. However, authorities emphasize that this is only speculation at this stage.
In addition, police are interviewing hotel staff and checking guest logs for unusual activity.
They are also verifying Mr. Delft’s travel history and purpose for visiting Thailand. So far, no external injuries beyond the wrist wound have been reported.
According to hotel management, Mr. Delft had shown no signs of distress during his stay.
He kept mostly to himself and did not engage much with staff or other guests. Even so, the presence of blood in both the bed and bathroom raises further questions.
Of course, the death of tourists under similarly suspicious circumstances in Thailand is a regular occurrence for police and emergency services. Certainly, next of kin at home look for answers.
Dutch tourist’s death adds pressure on police as autopsy report expected within the coming week
Therefore, local authorities are under pressure to determine the truth swiftly and transparently. Tourism officials are also monitoring the situation, as cases like this can affect public perception.
Investigators are expected to release preliminary findings from the autopsy within the week.
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Until then, the Dutch national’s death remains an open and ongoing case. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact the local police station immediately.
At this time, while suicide appears quite probable, investigators continue to explore all available evidence. The death of Ronald Delft is both tragic and troubling.
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Further reading:
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