Australian man found dead at beach on Thailand island of Phuket
The brother of an Australian man whose body was found at a beach in Thailand says he loved swimming and that his death appears to have been an accident.
Ben Heathcote confirmed to the ABC that the body of his brother, Anthony John Heathcote, 41, was found at Freedom Beach in Phuket on Saturday.
He was last seen three days earlier.
Mr Heathcote said his brother, a father of two, was a "remarkable" man and an "adventurous spirit" who loved travelling and getting to know different cultures.
He said the death was "just an absolute tragedy for everyone involved".
Anthony Heathcote was on holiday when he died.
"We've heard reports sometimes that the rip or the different parts of the ocean out there can come in stronger than people expect it to be."
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian man who had died in Thailand.
"We send our deepest condolences to their family at this difficult time," the spokesperson said.
Thai authorities are investigating the cause of Anthony Heathcote's death.
He most recently worked as an anthropologist in Perth but was born and raised in Mount Gambier, in South Australia's south-east.
"The outpouring of emotion from friends and family, including many people who have got in touch with me from Mount Gambier, has been amazing and an amazing tribute to Anthony," Mr Heathcote said.
"We really appreciate all the kind words."
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