KOH PHANGAN — 22 January 2026, Thailand’s tourist police on Koh Phangan have drawn international praise after helping a British tourist who lost his wallet and was left without money or contact with his family, authorities said.
Police said the man, identified as Michael Nicholas Lee, 45, was found exhausted on a beach after going without food and water for an extended period. Officers provided meals, drinking water and temporary accommodation before arranging his onward travel and coordinating with the British Embassy in Bangkok.
Lt. Col. Winit Boonchit, an inspector with Tourist Police Station 5 under Tourist Police Division 3, said officers acted under orders from Tourist Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueak-am after the British Embassy requested assistance. Lee had reported losing his wallet and all ATM cards, leaving him penniless and out of contact, prompting concern from relatives.
Tourist police fanned out to search hotels and key tourist areas before locating Lee sitting on a beach in a visibly weakened condition. He was taken to the Koh Phangan tourist police service unit, where officers ensured he received care and a night’s accommodation.
Police then notified the British Embassy of his whereabouts and coordinated his return to Bangkok. Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co provided complimentary transport for the entire journey. Officers also pooled personal funds to give Lee some spending money en route and alerted tourist police in Bangkok to receive him and escort him safely to the embassy ahead of his return to the United Kingdom.
Lee and his family expressed deep gratitude for the assistance. He said he was impressed by the speed and friendliness of the Thai police and pledged to act as an “ambassador” encouraging Britons to visit Thailand, citing confidence in the country’s safety and the care provided by its authorities.
