Essex dad dies after going missing in Bangkok, Thailand as fundraiser launched to bring his body home

An Essex dad has died after going missing in Thailand for days, with his family now launching a fundraiser to help bring him home. James Sangwine, 33, travelled to the Thai city of Bangkok for a holiday on January 18.

His partner Katie, 38, said James, a dad-of-one from Epping, told her he was going to send time with a British friend, who now lives in Thailand. But she hadn't heard from him since he was heading to a bar to meet friends on January 20.

The appeal was posted last week, however, it has now been confirmed that James has sadly died. A fundraising page has been set up by his family to raise enough money to bring James' body back to the UK and for his funeral.

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Posting on the Just Giving page, Julie Nolan-Day paid tribute to "our boy", saying he was "as loud and large as life" and an avid West Ham fan. She wrote: "James was the guy who walked into a room as loud and large as life! He always had a story to tell and you couldn’t help but laugh.

"From just a little boy he was into everything and always wanted to be where it was all happening especially if we were lighting birthday candles! James was a Dad to our “little Jimmy”, a son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. He loved West Ham and enjoyed bringing Jimmy to watch them.

"Everyone reading this will have their own special memories of James and the good times shared with him. Remember him with love and laughter. We have set up this page as we now have to bring our boy home and give him the send off he deserves.

"Any remaining money will be put in a trust fund for his little boy. Thank you all so much for all your love and kindness at this time." The fundraiser was launched on Monday (February 3) and has already raised £21,000, eclipsing its target of £15,000 within hours.

A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand and we are in contact with the local authorities."

You can view the fundraiser by clicking here.