Belgian tourist dies in Thailand after violent attack

A 64-year-old Belgian tourist tragically died from his injuries following a brutal attack in Hua Hin in early April.

See: Belgian tourist between life and death after attack in Thailand

The attack left him with a fractured skull and ten other fractures, putting him into a coma from which he never awoke.

Jan Valkenborg was on holiday with his Thai girlfriend in the seaside resort of Hua Hin , located 200 km south of Bangkok.

The seaside resort of Hua Hin. Photo: Michael Coghlan

He was smoking a cigarette on the sidewalk when a man punched him from behind, continuing his assault even after he fell.

The attacker, later identified as a German national with a criminal record and ties to a local fight club, also attacked a British man the same night.

The attacker wandered around the area for hours after the assault before being apprehended by police.

Valkenborg's close friend, Danny Lemmens, remained by his side until his death on Monday, June 17.

Lemmens, who had traveled to Thailand to help treat Valkenborg, recounted his harrowing ordeal.

“It was a long day, waiting 13 hours for his surgery, and the next few days were sleepless as I stayed in his hotel room surrounded by his belongings while he fought for his life in the hospital.”

Valkenborg underwent a grueling 13-hour operation to repair multiple skull fractures.

Although the operation was successful, doctors estimated the recovery period would be three to eight months, with an uncertain prognosis.

Despite medical interventions, including a major operation on his birthday, his condition worsened, leading to epileptic seizures.

Doctors eventually concluded that he would never fully recover.

Mr Lemmens, who met Mr Valkenborg through their joint activities in the political party Vlaams Belang, remembers him as a helpful person with a wide circle of friends.

“Jan was a man with a heart of gold.

He didn't deserve this."

Mr. Valkenborg was initially treated at a hospital in Hua Hin before being transferred to Bangkok for further operations and then repatriated to Gasthuisberg Hospital in Leuven, Belgium.

His private funeral will take place tomorrow, June 22, and friends and family can pay their respects today at the Funerarium Theunissen in Zichen-Zussen-Bolder.

According to Hua Hin Today newspaper, Hua Hin police have launched an initial investigation into the incident.

However, the attacker's whereabouts and legal status are currently unknown.

Thai media have not reported on the case so far.

See also:

Two tourists attack police officer in Thailand: They face 5 to 10 years in prison

Enraged tourist destroys taxi and assaults driver in Phuket, Thailand

Thais concerned about rise in attacks involving foreigners

Source: Hua Hin Today