SA father Anthony Heathcote found dead in the sea in Thailand holiday drowning tragedy

An SA man found dead in the sea after going missing while on holiday in Thailand has been remembered as “a remarkable man, loving brother, uncle, son and father”.

The body of a South Australian man has been found floating in the sea three days after he was reported missing while on holiday in Thailand.

According to local authorities in Thailand, Anthony John Heathcote, 41, was reported missing by his wife on May 7 in Phuket.

Three days later, on May 10, his body was found floating about 20m from the shore at Freedom Beach by the chief lifeguard during a routine morning patrol.

Emergency crews secured the body with ropes and brought it to shore amid strong surf.

It is understood Mr Heathcote was born in Mount Gambier. He was reportedly wearing black underpants when his body was found.

Thai media has named Anthony John Heathcote, originally from Mount Gambier, as the man found dead 20m from the shore at Freedom Beach. Picture: 7NEWS

His family paid tribute to Mr Heathcote, a father-of-two who was two weeks into his holiday with his unnamed wife.

In a statement to 7News last night, his family revealed their heartache after the anthropologist‘s body was found.

They paid tribute to a man who they said was adventurous, kind and with a brilliant mind.

“We’re all deeply saddened at the loss of Anthony,” a family spokesman said.

“He was a loving member of our family and his tragic loss is deeply felt.

“He was a remarkable man, loving brother, uncle, son and father.”

The 41-year-old was reported missing by his wife on May 7 in Phuket, according to local media. Picture: Asia Pacific Press

Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiwat Chamnankit said the evidence suggested Mr Heathcote had drowned.

“We believe that the sea currents were too strong for him to swim back to land,” he told local media Asia Pacific Press.

“Tourists should not go in the sea during these conditions when there are strong waves, unless they are with an experienced guide.”

Mr Heathcote had arrived in Thailand on April 20.

Rescuers retrieved Mr Heathcote’s body from the sea. Picture: Asia Pacific Press

His body has now been taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a formal autopsy.

The cause of death remains under investigation and Mr Heathcote’s family are working with diplomats to have his body returned home.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.

The tragedy comes just days after another Australian man, 22-year-old roof plumber Corey Walsh, from Melbourne, drowned while on a tour boat off the coast of Phuket.

Police said Mr Walsh, who had reportedly consumed a large amount of alcohol, jumped from the anchored boat and failed to resurface.

Authorities confirmed no illegal substances were found, only empty bottles of alcohol.

A GoFundMe page was set up for Mr Walsh on Saturday May 10 with a goal of $20,000 and so far over $11,000 has been raised from 110 donations.

Originally published as SA father Anthony Heathcote found dead in the sea in Thailand holiday drowning tragedy