A 30-year-old British man is said to have collapsed and died just moments after making his Muay Thai kickboxing debut in Thailand.
According to Thai media outlet Khaosod English, the referee was forced to halt the fight at the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium, in Koh Samui, Surant Thani province, at around 9.30pm on Friday.
It reported that during the third round the British man – who has not yet been named – was kicked by his opponent in the right side of his rib cage, leading to the official stepping in.
After the referee had stopped the fight and the bout concluded, the man is said to have managed to leave the ring and removed his gloves, but then started to feel unwell when unwrapped his hand bandages.
According to Khaosod English, he started to struggle to breathe and was suffering from muscle tension, before he collapsed and was tended to by his trainer.
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The coach reportedly gave the kickboxer CPR at the scene until the emergency services arrived and he was rushed to Thai International Hospital, which is just under two miles away from the venue.
However, despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead at around 11pm.
An autopsy was reportedly carried out at Koh Samui Hospital and Thai police are now investigating the man’s death.
Officers are said to be coordinating with the British Embassy to notify the man’s relatives.
The Daily Star approached the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for comment. A FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand.”
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