American Teacher falls to his death from Jomtien Apartment Complex
On Tuesday Morning, Police Lieutenant Colonel Jareun from Na-Jomtien Police Station was called to the S.T.S. Beach Resort Jomtien, located on the Sukumvit Road to investigate the suspected suicide of an American Resident. At the scene, Police were met by Khun Poonigar aged 28, who works at the Condominium, who directed Police to the side of the building and to the body of Mr. George Woodington aged 66, a former member of the Teaching Staff at the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the Asian University of Science & Technology. Mr. Woodington appeared to have jumped from an 11th floor balcony located at the front of his apartment. According to Khun Poonigar, Mr. Woodington was forced to stop working at the University but was still teaching privately. His mobility had become compromised due to a problem with his left knee joint and was also in general poor health. The body of Mr. Woodington, who originally came to Thailand in 1971 as a Peace Corps Volunteer, was taken to the local mortuary and the American Embassy in Bangkok were informed of the death which is being treated as a suicide at this time.
Update 30-06-10
We have today received the following message from Panit Nilubol – Vice President for Administration at the Asian University:
“With reference to your news report on Mr. George Woodington’s apparent suicide at STS Condominium, I would just like to set the record straight. Your article quoted Ms. Poonigar’s statement that Mr. Woodington “was forced to stop working” at Asian University (possibly implying that the university was the cause of his mental stress). The actual fact was Mr. Woodington unexpectedly resigned of his own accord at the end of the first semester in December 2009. The university thereafter asked him to take up part time teaching in order to continue some of the courses without undue interruption, which he did until the last course module finished in late April 2010.”
Click here to watch the video of this news story.
Related News
In The News
Navy narcotics Team arrest suspected drug dealers on the outskirts of Pattaya
A 54 year old suspected drug dealer was caught by
Gamblers caught in Central Pattaya apartment
A group of gamblers were caught playing rummy for money
New Born Baby dumped next to train track in East Pattaya
On Thursday Afternoon, the body of a new born child
Pet dog poisoned during 1 Million Baht house robbery close to Pattaya
Police from Baan Suan Police Station in Chonburi District were
I retired from the U.S. State Department almost 4 years ago. My last assignment was at The American Embassy in Bangkok which is where I reside today. We were told not to speak about all these “unexplained and questionable” deaths outside the Embassy. I was always surprised by how few of these “suspcious” deaths were ever looked into by our staff despite the numerous requests from family members and friends. Really makes me wonder what is going on.
Listen to Wayne’s message of July 5.
I did not know Mr. Woodington but I can well imagine his stress on being told he is too old to continue teaching. If the University denies this, it is very probably a lie.
You don’t jump out of a window just because you lose your job.
A Pattaya kupkake & friend very probably had a lot to do with it.
RIP colleague, I never knew you but I know where you were at.
Although I never met my great uncle,he sounds like he was a very interesting person.From what i do know,you shouldnt believe everything you read,especially in a foreign newspaper!
George was a dear friend. Full of life who always had kind words and kind thoughts, but he had been battling the pain in his knee for years. I’ll always remember our lively discussions on basketball; he was a devout Nicks fan, and I devout Lakers fan. The STS condo is well managed and secluded, and the idea that anything nefarious could take place is remote. I’m sure George had enough. RIP in good friend.
Nice to see we’ve had an update by the Asian University. Wish we also had an update by the police authorities and interested parties. As far as the foreign community is concerned, there is still a lot of skepticism about this case and many like it.
Many of these deaths are indeed murder. Some are caused by females, who let into an apartment a Thai male and the victim is thrown over the edge. The motive is theft. Often it is as a result of an argument that finds the victim meeting their demize. If you have a Thai takeaway, and you live in an apartment some number of floors up, get a double door lock, lock the door and put the key into the room safe so no one can let in someone else whilst you are taking a shower. Mobile phones have allowed this little trick though of course a “normal” land line phone can also be used to contact an evil bastard waiting nearby to end your life so don’t be bothered putting her mobile into the safe as well. Be warned.
so sad story, i keep hearing American and Europeans jumping from balcony in Asia. i have met many farangs as im from India, and they are always positive about life.
I can’t believe the suicide rate of farangs in Thailand is higher than US and europe where i dont see people in pension houses committing suicides in florida as often as in pattaya.
I think there is more to this story that many of us know and debated that most of the old farangs are pushed over and murdered for financial gains by the wifes or maids.
American and european embassy always sleep over in these matter not warning retire farangs about the consequences of living in pattaya.
Its not a suicide but a murder, sad that true story would never come out.
The guy came to thailand in 1971, more than 40 years ago…why would he do that…66 is too young by pattaya standard to jump over…common i cant buy this story…its too suspicious
RIP .
Rest in Peace.
Sounds like a decent man, and he must have been intelligent and hard working since the University actually wanted his services. Very sad story. The whole process of aging is miserable. Rest in Peace.
66 is hardly “a good innings”!!
I think this is a good way to die, quick and painless, if you don’t count the few seconds of the fall.
RIP brother Ajarn. You had a good innings.
another one way ticket out of Pattaya
Another reason to buy a single story house rather than a condo . . .
Another day in paradise…
this is a shame that so many people think this is the only way to solve problems. i have only been here a short time and i see that people are jumping from their condominiums all the time.
Another one bites the dust.
Another sad end, but it seems by his own choosing.