Australian Tourist Found Dead in Phuket Condo as Police Investigate White Powder Discovery

Police in Phuket are investigating the death of an Australian tourist whose body was discovered inside a condominium in Karon on the evening of May 20. Officers responding to the scene reportedly found a plate containing white powder near the deceased man.

Karon Police Station received a report about the incident at approximately 7:30 p.m. After arriving at the condominium, officers entered the room and found the body of 27-year-old Australian national Christopher Kazantzidis lying on the floor.

According to condominium staff, the tourist was last seen shortly after midnight on May 19, at around 12:20 a.m. Concern grew after nobody had heard from him for an extended period, prompting staff to contact the unit owner and gain access to the room. After discovering the body, they immediately alerted authorities.

Investigators stated that there were no visible signs of violence or a struggle inside the condominium. However, officers noticed white powder on a plate positioned on a nearby table, which was collected as evidence for laboratory testing.

Forensic specialists and a medical examiner from Vachira Phuket Hospital joined police at the scene to conduct an initial examination. Authorities said the substance found in the room will undergo further analysis, while police are also coordinating with the Australian Embassy as part of the ongoing investigation.

The case follows other incidents involving foreign tourists in Thailand linked to suspicious substances. In 2025, another Australian national was found dead at a massage shop on Koh Samui after allegedly carrying a bag containing white powder. Police at the time believed the man may have suffered a heart attack.