Peter Heppell: Father from Perth allegedly stabbed to death while celebrating his 57th birthday in Thailand

An Australian restaurateur is being mourned by loved ones after he was reportedly stabbed to death while celebrating his 57th birthday in Thailand.

Peter Heppell was allegedly attacked on Sunday at his restaurant, Melina’s Monkey House and Whale Bar in Krabi, southern Thailand.

The father and businessman from Perth was allegedly stabbed after being confronted by the husband of a former employee over a pay dispute.

A 24-year-old Thai man is now in police custody following his arrest.

Police tape banned the public from entering the beachside bar and restaurant, while officers combed the crime scene for clues earlier this week.

Police tape banned the public from entering the beachside bar and restaurant (pictured) as officers combed the crime scene for clues earlier this week

Mr Heppell tragically lost his six-month-old daughter in the Boxing Day tsunami nearly two decades ago in December 2004.

Waves of up to 30 meters high hit countries around the coast of the Indian Ocean after a magnitude 9.1 earthquake shifted the ocean floor.

The tsunami, considered one of the worst in recorded history, killed nearly 230,000 people in 14 countries including India, Thailand and Sri Lanka in a matter of hours.

Mr Heppell’s sister said in an emotional Facebook post on Tuesday that her beloved brother had been reunited with his baby daughter.

“We are devastated to report the sudden and violent death of Peter on his 57th birthday in Krabi, Thailand,” wrote Karen Bormolini.

Peter will be remembered as a larger than life character, who walked to the beat of his own drum and lived life to the fullest.

“He survived motorcycle accidents and miraculously survived the Boxing Day tsunami! Peter loved his daughter Aly, the ocean, beer, footy and Thailand.

“The family is so grateful that we were able to spend time with him recently.”

The father and businessman were reportedly stabbed (pictured) after being confronted by a former employee’s husband over a pay dispute

Mr Heppell (pictured) lost his six-month-old daughter in the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004

Mr Heppell’s sister, Karen Bormolini, said her brother had been reunited with the daughter he tragically lost in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

North Beach Football Club, where Mr Heppell was an A-grade Premiership player, said the club was saddened to learn of his passing.

The talented sportsman scored more than 70 goals for the club between 1985 and 1990.

“A larger than life character on and off the field,” the message read.

Condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace.’