A British tourist was found dead this morning after attending the famous Full Moon Festival in Thailand.
The tourist, 37, had reportedly been drinking low drinks before trying to find his way home after the beach event on Koh Phangan island.
It is believed that he visited an ATM in the hours before his death, in order to withdraw money to pay for a taxi.
But the reveler was found dead on the steps of a 7-Eleven store shortly after 6.30am this morning.
Police and paramedics arrived around 7:20 a.m. but were unable to revive him. They believe he had consumed “drink and drugs” at the full moon party on Sunday night.
The tourist was barefoot and was lying on the sidewalk next to an open plastic water bottle. Inside his pocket was a driver’s license with his name and address on it.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Arun Kamlangkeo of Koh Phangan Police Station confirmed today that the deceased was British and had been living abroad.
They are now searching for a mysterious local who is believed to have taken the man back to his hotel before disappearing.
Lieutenant Colonel Arun added: “We found the body face up. It was sent to Koh Phangan Hospital for further examination.
Thailand’s Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party on the island of Koh Phangan (file image)
‘The deceased had returned from the Full Moon Festival. Officers are currently questioning witnesses who claimed to have seen him drunk on Hat Rin Beach, where the party was held.
‘After the party, he tried to find a car to return to his accommodation, but he had no cash.
“He couldn’t pay the fare, but he met a local and asked to be taken to his hotel. He promised to pay after withdrawing the money.
The local agreed and dropped him off at the hotel. He was said to have been visibly exhausted before he died.
‘He may have been partying all night into the morning and passed out from lack of sleep. We are questioning the person who brought him home. We are also reviewing security camera footage.
“There were no signs of assault, so we believe he may have been drunk or overdosed.
According to police, witnesses claimed to have seen the drunk man on Hat Rin beach (pictured), where the party was held.
“The results of his blood tests are still pending, but we have already informed the British embassy of his death.”
The Foreign Office has been contacted for comment.
Thailand’s Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party on the island of Koh Phangan.
The party takes place on the night of every full moon and is usually attended by thousands of backpackers.
However, the event has become a notorious celebration filled with cheap drinks and drugs.
Now that cannabis is legal on the island, magic mushrooms, kratom, methamphetamine and LSD are also widely available.