Fears are growing for a British tourist who has been missing in Thailand for more than four weeks. Daniel Davies, 26, from Llanelli, Wales, had been staying at the Hangover Hostel in Bangkok before he was last seen on the notorious party island of Koh Phi Phi.
His desperate family say they have not heard anything from Daniel since March 13, which is ‘highly out of character’. They have filed a missing person’s report with Dyfed-Powys Police, but officers in Southeast Asia are yet to locate him. Daniel’s aunt Nicola Doran said: “My nephew Daniel Davies has gone missing in Bangkok, Thailand. He’s been reported and is now a missing person. No one has had any contact in weeks.”
Friend Lucia Froom added: “Daniel’s phone is switched off and no one has heard from him in weeks, which isn’t like him at all.
“If anyone knows anyone in Thailand or is planning a trip there soon, can people please keep an eye out for him.”
Police said that Daniel is described as being around 6ft tall, of slim build, with blonde hair and a beard. He also has distinctive tattoo sleeves on both arms.
Missing people are falling through the gaps, experiencing serious harm while they are away, with little or no support to help address the reasons why they left. They need help, so they don’t go missing again.
A dedicated strategy led by the Home Office, Department for Education, and Department for Health and Social Care would provide the proper attention and resources.
Without this, thousands will continue to go missing without support. and, when they return, there will be no meaningful opportunity to speak to anyone about why they left, or what happened while they were away. This leaves vulnerable people, who are often in crisis, with no support.
Life is never hopeless. Everyone should know that someone cares, and that help is available from organisations such as the charity Missing People.
The Mirror is calling for:
• The publication of a new missing children and adults strategy to ensure police, health and social care play their part
• Investment in prevention for those at most risk of going missing
• Support to be offered to every missing child and adult on their return
You can help by signing our petition here.
Missing persons charity Echoes of the Lost has also joined the appeal alongside SARS Cymru.
They said: “Daniel, if you happen to see this post, please get in contact with your family. They are worried. If you wish to message us to pass information along, please feel free to do so.”
The Foreign Office is understood to be aware of the case.
Thailand attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year, with many drawn in by its tropical appeal, party beaches and lively backpacking scene. While it is known for being a safe destination, there are some visits which unfortunately end in tragedy, with dozens of tourists dying or being seriously injured every month.
It comes after former private school pupil Nick Weir died in Bangkok after being attacked by two bouncers.
The 28-year-old, who managed a packaging company in Salisbury, had tried to force his way into the 91karakoe bar on March 25 after being refused entry and was then chased by the two bouncers on a motorcycle.
A police spokesperson said he was “followed to a nearby side street” and reportedly knocked unconscious. The suspects alerted the emergency services and stayed at the scene.
• The Mirror is using its platform to launch Missed – a campaign to shine a light on underrepresented public-facing missing persons in the UK via a live interactive map, in collaboration with Missing People Charity. Because every missing person, no matter their background or circumstances, is someone’s loved one. And they are always Missed.
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