Deaths involving British nationals in Thailand

The death of a relative or friend is always distressing.  But if it happens abroad the distress can be made worse by practical problems.  Consular Directorate in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and our Embassy in Thailand are ready to help in any way that they can.  You may be uncertain what to do next or who to contact for advice.  These notes are designed to help you through the practical arrangements you will need to make.  While care has been taken in compiling these notes, no legal liability for their contents is accepted by the British Embassy, the British Consulate in Thailand or HM Government.

You should be aware that Thai procedures differ significantly from those in the United Kingdom.  The police are always notified when the death of a foreign national occurs. They in turn will notify the relevant Embassy.  While we understand your need to make arrangements as quickly as possible, this may not always be possible.  Except in remote rural areas, Thai undertakers are modern, well-equipped companies used to working with foreigners.  Most have at least one English-speaking staff member.

Standard Procedures

Following the death of a British national in Thailand, the next of kin, or a formally appointed representative, must decide whether to

•  repatriate the deceased to the UK,
•  have a local cremation and the ashes repatriated to the UK or
•  have a local cremation and the ashes scattered in Thailand.

If the deceased was covered by travel insurance, it is important for next of kin to contact the insurance company without delay.  If there is no insurance cover, the cost of repatriation or cremation will need to be met by the family.  Neither the Foreign and Commonwealth Office nor our Embassy in Thailand has budgets to meet these costs.  The next of kin should also be aware that all hospital bills must be paid before the body can be released.
 
Consular staff in London will pass on to the Embassy in Thailand the wishes of the next of kin about the funeral arrangements of the deceased, and details of who accepts/is taking responsibility for all the costs involved in this.  We will do our best to ensure these wishes are carried out.

It is important to remember that if the deceased was travelling with a tour operator, they can be a valuable source of assistance and advice.

We appreciate that the next of kin may not always live in the UK.  We can normally carry out repatriation to most countries in the world.

The British Embassy or Consulate should always be notified of the death of any British national in Thailand.