A British tourist has died after being found unresponsive in his hotel room in Thailand clutching his asthma pump having told family he had caught a virus.
James Moore, 44, had been in Thailand on a dream holiday for two weeks and was booked to return home to Newmarket, Suffolk, on February 7.
He was now found dead in his accommodation on the Thai island of Ko Chang after contracting a mystery illness.
His sister Rachel Tate said their parents received the heart-wrenching call last Friday, January 19, informing them he was on the brink of death.
The asthma sufferer had attributed his illness to a common virus circulating on the island. He told his sister he had been feeling under the weather.
James Moore (pictured), 44, had been in Thailand on a dream holiday for two weeks and was booked to return home to Newmarket, Suffolk, on February 7
He was found dead in his accommodation on the Thai island of Ko Chang after contracting a mystery illness (file image)
His friend Dave Moss, who retired to live on the Thai island, grew concerned when he was suddenly unable to get hold of James after the two were supposed to meet up.
Tate said: ‘When Dave couldn’t reach him, he grew worried and went to James’ hotel. James lying motionless on his bed, clutching his asthma pump.’
The British tourist was rushed to a nearby hospital but was soon declared dead by attending doctors.
His sister said her parents were in shock and that she is coordinating with the British Embassy and Thai authorities to bring his body back to the UK.
She told Suffolk News: ‘Fortunately he had travel insurance as there are a lot of costs to pay, including his hospitalisation and a post-mortem,’ she said.
‘It’s not easy. We always spoke to each other on WhatsApp and I keep looking at it to see what his last message was.’
The grieving family has launched an online crowdfunding campaign to help with the costs of repatriation.
Tate said on GoFundMe: ‘This situation is like a jigsaw puzzle.
‘Slowly but surely we are getting the situation sorted to get my brother home so we can bury him.’
The fundraiser has already brought in more than £1,700. ‘It is kind that so many people are thinking of us,’ Tate said.
has contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for comment.