Mystery surrounds death of Australian tourist Michael Caola in Thailand's Pattaya as police launch investigation
Michael Shane Caola, from Perth, was discovered on Thursday at the Grand Shivalay complex, a high-rise building located in the heart of the city, which has long been associated with its hedonistic nightlife and influx of foreign tourists.
Concerned relatives in Australia contacted the apartment's front desk after failing to reach Mr Caola for two days.
The building's manager, Thanchanok Prajit, raised the alarm with local authorities after being unable to access his room.
'His family in Australia called the reception, saying they had been unable to contact him,' she said.
'He was a regular customer often seen exercising, probably to take care of his health.'
Responding officers found no immediate signs of foul play at the scene, but the circumstances surrounding Mr Caola's death remain unclear.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Saijai Kamjulla of Pattaya City Police confirmed that inquiries are ongoing
'The cause of the Australian man's death is still unknown and the results of the autopsy are pending," he said.
'The case is currently under investigation, and further details cannot be disclosed at this time.'
In a separate and seemingly unrelated incident, Swedish national Mika Huotari, 38, was found dead in a bathtub in another apartment just two floors below Mr Caola's.
Authorities say the two cases are not connected.
Local media outlets report that Mr Huotari had a head injury and CCTV footage captured a woman leaving his room shortly before his body was discovered.
Both incidents have raised fresh concerns about the safety of foreign visitors in Pattaya, which continues to draw large numbers of tourists despite its controversial reputation.
Thai police say they are awaiting autopsy results before determining the cause of Mr Caola's death.
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