BANGKOK, July 7: Two Thai football fans have died while watching World Cup matches, police said on Friday, blaming the deaths on fatigue, strong emotions and excessive drinking.

Jatuporn Wongprasit was found dead in front of his TV in the central province of Ratchaburi province on Thursday afternoon.

Doctors said the 37-year-old unemployed man had died of heart failure.

“His friends told police he watched every World Cup match and probably the match between Portugal and France that night,” police Lieutenant Colonel Somsak Huayhongthong said.

“Police suspect that he died either from over-excitement while watching the match or from sleep deprivation after watching matches every night,” Somsak said.

In northern Thailand, police said they believed 44-year-old Thira Niemnoy suffered a similar death.

“His sister said Thira was disappointed that Germany lost. He didn't eat anything but stayed up drinking alcohol Wednesday night. His body was found the next morning,” police Major Pichit Pichithorachon said.

“Police believe he died either from heavy drinking or lack of sleep from watching the games every night,” Pichit added.

Thailand do not have a team in the World Cup but are passionate about football and gambling.

Thailand's Kasikorn Research Centre said its people are expected to wager nearly one billion dollars on the one-month tournament that ends on Sunday.—AFP