A 67-year-old Irish man, identified as Ultan Michael Browne, fell to his death from the 31st-floor balcony of the Grande Centre Point Pattaya Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand, on August 19, 2024. Local police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fall, whether accidental or otherwise.
The incident occurred around 5:06 a.m. local time, prompting hotel security to cordon off the area until the authorities arrived. Police Captain Chanan Kesornbua confirmed that CCTV footage from the hotel and surrounding area is being reviewed to clarify the circumstances of the fall.
Browne’s remains were taken to Bang Lamung Hospital, where they are awaiting transfer to his family in Ireland. The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it provides consular assistance to the family.
The five-star hotel, which features an intergalactic theme and balconies extending from every room offering ocean views, has not yet released a statement. This incident closely follows another in Pattaya just five days earlier, when 21-year-old German tourist Manuel Marc Norbert survived a fall from a third-floor balcony at a different hotel in the city. Norbert, who reportedly fell through an awning, sustained serious injuries but was rushed to the hospital and survived.
Pattaya, a coastal city about 93 miles southeast of Bangkok in the Chonburi province, has transformed remarkably from a quiet fishing village in the 1960s to one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. Initially gaining popularity during the Vietnam War as a relaxation spot for American servicemen, it rapidly developed into a bustling tourism hub. Today, the city is renowned for its lively nightlife, luxury resorts, and picturesque beaches that draw millions of visitors annually. Key attractions include the famous Walking Street, filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants, and the quieter Jomtien Beach, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
However, the city’s rapid growth has brought with it significant challenges. Pattaya has long grappled with issues related to crime, particularly involving theft, scams, and an entrenched reputation for “adult-themed” tourism. Efforts by local authorities to clean up the city’s image and shift toward family-friendly tourism have been met with mixed results.
Despite government-led campaigns to promote cultural attractions and develop more family-oriented activities, Pattaya’s reputation for nightlife and corruption continues complicating these efforts. The city’s authorities remain committed to addressing these issues, though progress has been slow in changing perceptions domestically and internationally.
