A Brit tourist has died after contracting a virus while on a dream holiday.
James Moore had been in Thailand for two weeks.
The 44-year-old was booked to return home to Newmarket, Suffolk, on 7 February.
However, he was found dead in his accommodation on the Thai island of Ko Chang after contracting a mystery illness.
His sister Rachel Tate said their parents received the heart-wrenching call last Friday (19 Jan), informing them he was on the brink of death.
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The asthma sufferer had first attributed his illness to a common virus circulating on the island.
His friend Dave Moss grew concerned when he was suddenly unable to get hold of James.
Tate said: “When Dave couldn’t reach him, he grew worried and went to James’ hotel.
“What he found in that room was beyond belief.
“James lying motionless on his bed, clutching his asthma pump.”
The Brit tourist was rushed to a nearby hospital but was soon declared dead by attending doctors.
His sister is coordinating with the British Embassy and Thai authorities to bring his body back to the UK.
The grieving family has launched an online crowdfunding campaign to help with the costs of repatriation.
Tate said on GoFundMe: “This situation is like a jigsaw puzzle.
“Slowly but surely we are getting the situation sorted to get my brother home so we can bury him.”
Born and bred in Newmarket, Moore worked at the Cheveley Park Stud and assisted local farrier Dale Powell with his equestrian activities.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been approached for comment.
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