A former British Army Major who had links to Hua Hin for several years has been charged with the murder of his wife and attempting to claim more than AU$1 million in life insurance.
Graeme Davidson, 55, was arrested in Brisbane and charged with murder, fraud, and attempted fraud in connection with the 2020 death of his wife, Jacqueline Davidson, who drowned while kayaking at Lake Samsonvale, north of Brisbane.
Davidson, who had resided in Hua Hin for a number of years, was known in the local expat community and had been involved in organising a Remembrance Day service in the town last November, where he also gave a speech. The event was reported on by Hua Hin Today at the time.
Jacqueline Davidson, 54, died at the scene in November 2020 after efforts to revive her failed. Her death was initially treated as an accidental drowning, but police in Queensland later launched a homicide investigation after concerns were raised during the preparation of a report for the coroner.
Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor told reporters that police allege Graeme Davidson was involved in the drowning and that new evidence had prompted the murder charge. The investigation, carried out under Operation Victor Harlow, included expert analysis and witness interviews relating to the lake’s conditions and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The cause of death was drowning, but it was a case of talking to witnesses and gaining further evidence that the matter appeared suspicious,” Windsor said.
He added that while the couple were living together at the time, police would allege there had been a “breakdown in the relationship”.
Windsor also confirmed that Davidson had made a life insurance claim following his wife’s death and had attempted to make a second, which formed the basis of the fraud charges.
Davidson was arrested in Brisbane on Sunday. The investigation has been described by police as complex and lengthy.
He is due to appear in court as the case proceeds.