BANGKOK—An Irish man on a tour of western Thailand fell to his death from a moving train on Tuesday, police said.
The man, identified as Patrick Ward, 45, was born in New Zealand according to his Irish passport. His current residence was not immediately known, but he entered Thailand on Monday on a tourist visa.
Ward traveled by train from the capital Bangkok to the town of Kanchanaburi on Tuesday, police said. The town of Kanchanaburi has a bridge over the River Kwai made famous by a movie about a railway built by Japanese forced labor during World War II. After a short stop, the group headed to another popular tourist destination, Sai Yok Waterfall.
Police Major Kiatisak Kerdchok of Sai Yok Police said that when the train slowed down at a scenic spot, Mr Ward opened the carriage door and tumbled 7 to 8 meters (yards) down a hill, according to eyewitnesses.
He did not confirm Thai media reports that Ward was trying to take a selfie when the accident occurred just before noon.
Police found Ward’s body at the scene with scars, but no indication of foul play.
Kiatisak said a full autopsy will be held in Bangkok on Wednesday, questioned by fellow members of the tour group.
