Belgian found hanging from tree

CHALONG: A Belgian businessman was found hanging from a tamarind tree at his home in Chalong on Thursday. His younger brother told police that Georges (Jo) Billiet, 43, had recently broken up with his girlfriend and that this had coincided with a downturn in his business. Pol Maj Sanae Panmee, of Chalong Police Station, said Mr Billiet’s body was found at about 7:30 am, hanging from a nylon rope. Eric Billiet, 35, told police that his brother had invested in the Metropolis bar and restaurant on Wiset Rd in Rawai, but that the business was not going well. After his relationship with his girlfriend came to an end, he became a different person, drinking every night and staying out late. His brother had loved his girlfriend very much, Mr Billiet told officers, and had talked about the possibility of killing himself. The body is to be taken to Rawai Temple for funeral rites.