- James Moore, from Suffolk, was on holiday in Thailand when he died
A British tourist has died after being found unconscious in his hotel room in Thailand, clutching his asthma pump, after telling his family he had contracted a virus.
James Moore, 44, had been in Thailand for two weeks on a dream holiday and was due to return home to Newmarket, Suffolk, on 7 February.
He was found dead at his accommodation on the Thai island of Ko Chang after contracting a mysterious illness.
His sister Rachel Tate said their parents received the heartbreaking phone call last Friday, January 19, telling them he was on the brink of death.
The asthmatic had attributed his illness to a common virus circulating on the island. He told his sister that he felt bad.
James Moore, 44, had already been in Thailand for two weeks on a dream holiday and was due to return to Newmarket, Suffolk, on February 7.
He was found dead at his accommodation on Thailand’s Ko Chang island after contracting a mysterious illness (File Image)
His friend Dave Moss, who retired to live on the Thai island, became concerned when he suddenly couldn’t get hold of James after the two were due to meet.
Tate said: ‘When Dave couldn’t reach him he got worried and went to James’ hotel. James lay motionless on his bed, with his asthma pump in his hand.’
The British tourist was rushed to a nearby hospital but was soon pronounced dead by treating doctors.
His sister said her parents were in shock and she was working with the British embassy and Thai authorities to bring his body back to Britain.
She said Suffolk News: “Luckily he had travel insurance because there are a lot of costs to pay, including his hospitalization and an autopsy,” she said.
‘It is not easy. We always spoke on WhatsApp and I keep checking to see what his last message was.”
The grieving family has launched an online crowdfunding campaign to help with repatriation costs.
Tate said on GoFundMe, “This situation is like a jigsaw puzzle.
“Slowly but surely we are getting the situation in order so that we can get my brother home so we can bury him.”
The fundraising campaign has already raised more than € 1,700. “It’s sweet that so many people are thinking of us,” Tate said.
A spokesman for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand.’