PUBLISHED : 22 Jan 2026 at 17:18

Michael Lee, 45, waves to Koh Phangan tourist police as he embarks on a speedboat prior to travelling to the British Embassy in Bangkok on Thursday. (Photo supplied)

SURAT THANI - Tourist police on Koh Phangan have located and assisted a British tourist who was left stranded on the tourist island after his wallet and ATM cards went missing, leaving him with no money and out of contact.

The officers began their search for a 45-year-old British man, identified as Michael Nicholas Lee, after the British Embassy in Thailand requested help.

Mr Lee had lost his wallet and bank cards, had no cash and could not be contacted, according to the embassy.

Police checked hotels and tourist sites on the island. Mr Lee was later found sitting on a beach, looking exhausted and dazed, said Pol Lt Col Winit Boonchit, an inspector at the local tourist police station.

The Briton had gone without food for several days. He was brought to the tourist police station, where he was given food and drinking water and allowed to rest overnight. His condition improved, and police informed the British Embassy, Pol Lt Col Winit said.

Police then coordinated with Lomprayah High Speed Ferries to help arrange Mr Lee’s travel to the embassy in Bangkok.

“We gave him some pocket money and coordinated with tourist police in Bangkok to receive and escort him to the embassy, for arrangements for his flight back home,” Pol Lt Col Winit said.

The operation drew praise from the embassy and Mr Lee’s family, and left the tourist deeply impressed by the assistance, the officer concluded.