PHUKET (Azat TV) – Thai authorities have launched an investigation into the death of British reality television personality Jordan Wright, who was found dead in a drainage canal on the island of Phuket on March 14. The 33-year-old, known for his appearances on ITV’s The Only Way Is Essex and MTV’s Ex on the Beach, had recently relocated to Thailand to pursue a new career in financial investment.
Investigation Into Final Movements
Local police in the Choeng Thale district confirmed that Wright’s body was discovered face-down in stagnant water near Bang Tao Beach at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time on Saturday. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Suthirak Chuthong, the discovery was made by a worker harvesting vegetables in the area. Investigators found Wright’s phone on a nearby bank, and a hotel key card in his pocket linked him to the COCO Phuket Bangtao, where he had been staying.
Official reports indicate that there were no immediate signs of physical assault or struggle. However, police have noted that CCTV footage captured Wright acting in a restless and erratic manner outside his hotel shortly before his disappearance. Staff confirmed that Wright was due to check out on March 13 but failed to do so, prompting the initial search.
Stakes and Forensic Status
The uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of his death has led police to await official autopsy results from Vachira Phuket Hospital. Authorities are specifically looking to determine whether any substances were present in his system, as the cause of death remains unconfirmed. Investigators have emphasized that while the investigation is ongoing, they cannot yet rule on any specific cause until forensic analysis is complete.
Wright, who had previously balanced a career as a firefighter with his television work, had shared his relocation to Thailand with followers on social media as recently as early March, describing his move as the start of an exciting new chapter. Representatives for The Only Way Is Essex have issued a statement offering condolences to his family and friends.
Context of the Discovery
The recovery of the body, which was found barefoot and without significant personal belongings beyond his phone, has raised questions about the events of his final 48 hours. Police have stated that the individual was likely dead for no more than two days before being discovered. The local authorities continue to review security footage as part of the formal case file, though they have declined to release the recordings to the public at this stage of the inquiry.
The investigation into Wright’s death underscores the complexities of international welfare cases, where erratic behavior captured on surveillance footage serves as the primary focal point for authorities attempting to bridge the gap between a victim’s final public appearance and the eventual discovery of their remains.