KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND – Tourist police on the island of Koh Phangan assisted a destitute British holidaymaker after he lost his wallet, drawing international recognition for their response.
Stranded Briton found weak on the beach
Authorities said 45-year-old Briton Michael Nicholas Lee was left on the island with no money and no way to contact his family after losing his wallet containing all his ATM cards. Officers eventually found him exhausted on a beach after he had gone without food and water for an extended period, and his condition was described as significantly weakened.
Search launched after embassy request
According to Lt. Col. Winit Boonchit, an inspector at Tourist Police Station 5 of Tourist Police Division 3, the unit acted on orders from Tourist Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueak-am after the British Embassy in Bangkok requested assistance. Tourist police then searched hotels and key tourist areas across Koh Phangan before discovering Lee sitting on a beach and taking him to their local service base.
Food, shelter and route back to Bangkok
At the base, police said the Briton was given meals, drinking water and temporary overnight accommodation, while officers ensured his medical and basic needs were covered. They then notified the British Embassy of his whereabouts and coordinated the next steps for his journey back to Bangkok. Ferry operator Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co provided all transport free of charge.
Officers donate own money for travel
Police reported that the officers involved pooled their own funds to give Lee some travel money. Tourist police in Bangkok were informed in advance so colleagues there could receive him at his destination and escort him safely to the embassy, where preparations for his return to the United Kingdom were to be made.
Gratitude and a pledge to promote Thailand
Officials said Lee and his family expressed clear gratitude for the assistance. He was particularly impressed by the speed of the response and the attitude of the officers, stating he was convinced by the level of security and care shown by the authorities.
“I am convinced by the level of security and the care shown by the authorities, and in future I want to act as a kind of ‘ambassador’ to encourage my fellow countrymen to visit the country.”
said Michael Nicholas Lee, British tourist.