Brisbane lawyer found dead with powder at Thailand massage parlour

A well-known Brisbane lawyer on holiday with his wife in Thailand has been found dead.

Christopher Saines, chief executive of GLG Legal on Queen Street in the CBD, was found unresponsive early on Monday morning.

His family confirmed his death to this masthead.

Christopher Saines, chief executive of GLG Legal in Brisbane.Credit: GLG Legal

Thai media reported that the 43-year-old, who was staying in the Bo Phut subdistrict of Koh Samui, died after a massage at Siam Touch Massage parlour.

Police at Bo Phut confirmed white powder was found with him. It has been sent for testing, with police expecting a result within a month.

“It is with unimaginable sorrow that we confirm the sudden passing of a beloved son, brother, husband, father, friend, and colleague,” a statement from the family said.

Saines in a photo from a holiday years before his death.Credit: Chantho Saines

“Christopher was … a remarkable person whose presence brought light to us.

“He will be remembered by us as a warm, loving, and caring person.”

Saines leaves behind his wife and two young children.

According to the Khaosod media outlet, Saines complained of feeling tired after coming barefoot for a massage about 12.10am. He was left to rest on a bed.

Villa Mia in the Bo Phut subdistrict of Koh Samui, where Christopher Saines was staying. Credit: Villamiasamui

A masseuse reported she could still hear him snoring at 4am, however when staff went to wake him several hours later, they discovered he had died.

Police said the family wished to cremate the body in a temple before returning home.

Shane Warne was found dead on the same island in 2022.

Officers from Bo Phut station – which also investigated the cricket legend’s death – are looking into the incident, although early reports suggested no sign of foul play.

The Koh Samui massage parlour where Brisbane lawyer Christopher Saines was found dead. It has been closed since his death on Monday.

They say they cannot provide further details until an autopsy is complete.

The Siam Touch Massage parlour remained closed on Thursday.

This masthead has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the GLG law firm, and Villa Mia resort, where Saines was staying, for more information.

Saines’ LinkedIn profile shows he had served as chief executive at GLG Legal since October 2014.

“Since being admitted as a solicitor of the Queensland Supreme Court in 2006, Christopher has developed a passion for providing real-world innovative solutions to his clients,” the GLG Legal website says.

“Christopher is an active member of the legal community, being a member of the Queensland Law Society, a committee member of the International Bar Association, a committee member of Basic Rights, and a board member of Aged Care Review.”

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