A seven-day “Do Not Disturb” sign ended in tragedy when hotel staff found British tourist Zakir Mahood, 41, dead on his Phuket check-out day. Police found no signs of violence and are awaiting forensic results to establish the cause of death.
A seven-day “Do Not Disturb” sign concealed a grim discovery inside a Patong hotel room, where staff found 41-year-old British tourist Zakir Mahood dead only after he failed to check out. Police found no signs of forced entry, violence or a struggle, yet the cause of death remains unknown. Investigators are now awaiting a full forensic autopsy as detectives piece together the final days of the lone traveller’s Phuket holiday and British officials begin the process of notifying his family and arranging the return of his body.
A British tourist who kept a “Do Not Disturb” sign hanging outside his Patong hotel room for seven days was found dead when staff finally entered on his scheduled check-out day. Police are now waiting for forensic tests to establish exactly how the 41-year-old died.
The grim discovery unfolded at about 11 am on August 3 inside a hotel in Patong Subdistrict, Kathu District. Earlier, Pol. Lt. Col. Rapeeporn Chumtham, an investigating officer at Patong Police Station, received the emergency report.
She immediately informed Pol. Col. Korakrit Khantakrue, Superintendent of Patong Police Station. Minutes later, she travelled to the hotel with investigating officers, forensic specialists and other relevant officials.
Hotel staff discover British tourist dead after seven days behind ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign in Patong room
Hotel staff identified the deceased as Mr. Zakir Mahood, a 41-year-old British national. Police said he had checked into the hotel alone on July 24. He was due to leave on August 3 after a 10-day stay.
According to the hotel’s head housekeeper, the room was last serviced on July 27. Afterwards, Mr. Mahood hung a “Do Not Disturb” sign outside the door. From that point, staff respected the request and did not enter the room again. Instead, they left the notice untouched throughout the remainder of his stay.
For the next seven days, nobody entered the room. Then, on the scheduled check-out day, the head housekeeper returned to complete the hotel’s normal departure procedures. She knocked repeatedly but received no reply. With the guest failing to answer, she opened the room. Inside, she found Mr. Mahood dead and immediately raised the alarm.
In response, officers from Patong Police Station secured the scene and began a detailed investigation. Meanwhile, forensic specialists examined every part of the room for evidence. Notably, investigators found no signs of forced entry. Likewise, they discovered no evidence of a struggle. The room also showed no signs of being ransacked or disturbed.
Autopsy ordered as police find no signs of forced entry, struggle or violence inside Patong hotel room
As part of the investigation, forensic pathologist Dr. Arthit Surawisakul carried out a preliminary examination alongside police investigators. The initial assessment indicated Mr. Mahood had died about 12 to 24 hours before his body was discovered. However, the examination could not establish the precise cause of death. Instead, investigators said only a full forensic autopsy could provide that answer.
Separately, officers arranged for the Phuket Charity Rescue Unit’s Patong branch to remove the body from the hotel. It was then transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a detailed post-mortem examination.
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In parallel, police contacted the British Embassy to notify Mr. Mahood’s relatives. Officials are also coordinating the formal procedures for the release and repatriation of his body in accordance with established practice.
At this stage, police have released no evidence pointing to foul play. Equally, investigators have disclosed no indication of violence inside the room. Even so, the investigation remains active until the forensic examination is completed. Ultimately, the autopsy findings will determine the exact cause and manner of Mr. Mahood’s death.
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