British man lost in Thailand, family issues SOS appeal

The family of a British man issued an SOS after he went AWOL while on holiday in Thailand.

Scottish man David Goldthorpe has vanished in Thailand after booking a holiday in the Land of Smiles to celebrate his retirement.

The 65 year old Edinburgh-born retiree was supposed to fly home Sunday, May 5, but never boarded his flight, leaving his family sick with worry.

Goldthorpe was scheduled to travel from Phuket to Doha in Qatar before catching a connecting flight home to the Scottish capital on May 5, but Thai police have confirmed he was not on the plane.

The Scot flew out to Thailand on April 12 and stayed at a hotel in Bangkok for a week before travelling on to the popular seaside holiday resort. He last had contact with his family on Wednesday, May 1 at 3.30am.

Police Scotland say they are investigating the disappearance while the UK Government has confirmed that they are in contact with David’s family. His family described his disappearance as “out of character” and told how they were “worried sick.”

His daughter Hayley has been posting in expat groups on Facebook, appealing for help and sharing his photograph.

Daughter in law Kate Goldthorpe told the Daily Record the family is concerned and eager to locate her father in law.

“David is 5’8″, 65 years old, and has been on holiday in Thailand. He is single and had recently retired so just wanted a holiday. He was booked on a flight to Doha on Sunday morning but police confirmed he was unfortunately not on that.

“It is not normal for him to not contact his daughter, Hayley. We are cooperating with Police Scotland to try to locate him. Any information or sightings should be directed to Police Scotland or the British embassy in Thailand.”

Another relative posted on Facebook announcing it was unusual for him to cut contact with everyone.

“After some odd messages and then silence, we haven’t heard from our uncle for five days. He has been on holiday in Thailand but police confirmed he never made his flight home. Please share as we are incredibly worried about him.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson added that officers are making enquiries following a report of concern for a Scottish man who is understood to have travelled to Thailand.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are in contact with the family of a British man who has been reported as missing in Thailand.”