Family breaks silence after high-flying Australian lawyer dies in Thailand

The solicitor was reportedly found dead at a massage parlour on the island of Koh Samui while on holiday with family.

A high-flying Australian lawyer was found dead at a Thai massage parlour this week near where cricket legend Shane Warne died.

Christopher Saines, the chief executive of Brisbane firm GLG, died early on Monday local time while on holiday with his wife and family in the island of Koh Samui, local media reported.

Shocked staff at the law firm told news.com.au that the leading commercial and property law solicitor was expected back at work next week.

A statement sent to news.com.au by GLG Legal said the family of Mr Saines was overwhlemed by grief, and that the 43-year-old was “deeply loved”.

“It is with unimaginable sorrow that we confirm the sudden passing of a beloved son, brother, husband, father, friend, and colleague, Christopher Saines, who died earlier this week while on holiday with his family in Thailand,” the statement read.

“Christopher was a deeply loved member of our family and a remarkable person whose presence brought light to us.

“At just 43, Christopher had already made a profound impact through his professional achievements and his unwavering commitment to the people and causes he cared about most. He lived with purpose, passion, and drive.

Christopher Saines from Brisbane law firm GLG. Picture: Supplied

He was on holiday with his family. Picture: Supplied

“Christopher leaves behind his loving wife and two young children. He was a dedicated family man and a remarkable father. He will be remembered by us as a warm, loving, and caring person.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received during this incredibly painful time from our friends, colleagues, and the broader public.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Phumaret Inkong of Bo Phut Police Station said officers found Mr Saines “lying dead” when they arrived at the parlour near Chaweng Beach, adding there were no signs of injury or struggle.

“He had just finished getting a massage, dressed, and went to the bathroom. Then, he asked to sit and rest on the bed for a moment, and he simply fell asleep,” the police officer said.

Mr Saines was found dead at a Koh Samui massage parlour in Thailand this week. Picture: Viral Press

“The masseuse said that he was snoring so loudly that they had to ask the guests nearby if they wanted to change rooms. He stayed like that until around 3am, when the shop closed, and the masseuse left him to sleep in the room.

“At around 6am, she came back up to wake him, but he didn’t respond. She then called her friend to help check on him. That’s when they discovered that he had passed away. It’s believed that he died some time after 4am.”

The Saines were staying at a $4000 per night hotel, Mia Villas, and local media reports staff went looking for him when he did not return on Sunday night.

Mr Saines’ wife, Chantho, was informed of his death about 3pm on Monday.

Local media reports he paid 400 baht for a traditional oil massage after arriving barefoot at the parlour in Bo Phut.

The father was a leading solicitor in Queensland. Picture: Supplied

According to a biography on the GLG website, Mr Saines had spent a career working at some of Queensland’s most prestigious law firms.

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

His body was taken to the Surat Thani Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Cricket legend Warne died from a sudden heart attack in a luxury villa at Koh Samui in March 2022.

Originally published as Family breaks silence after high-flying Australian lawyer dies in Thailand