Australian man found dead at beach on Thailand island of PhuketBy Eugene BoisvertABC South East SATopic:Drownings1h ago1 hours agoTue 13 May 2025 at 5:20amAnthony Heathcote had two children. (Supplied by family)In short:Anthony John Heathcote's body was found on the island of Phuket on Saturday.His brother says it is likely Mr Heathcote died in an accident while swimming.What's next?Thai authorities are investigating the cause of Mr Heathcote's death. abc.net.au/news/australian-man-anthony-heathcote-found-dead-in-thailand/105286972Link copiedShareShare articleThe 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. "He did love swimming and, as far as we can tell, it just looks like a terrible accident," Mr Heathcote, 44 said."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."Phuket is known for its resorts and beaches. (ABC News: Mazoe Ford)Emotional time for familyThe 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 Mr Heathcote's death.He most recently worked as an anthropologist in Perth but was born and raised in Mount Gambier in South Australia."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."ABC South East SA — local news in your inboxGet our local newsletter, delivered free each FridayYour information is being handled in accordance with the ABC Privacy Collection Statement.Email addressSubscribePosted 1h ago1 hours agoTue 13 May 2025 at 5:20am, updated 42m ago42 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 5:56amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesSussan Ley rejects her Liberal leadership victory is a 'glass cliff' appointmentLIVEPhoto shows Susan Ley talks while standing behind a lectern. Behind her is an Australian flag.Sussan Ley has made history, but her future is full of problemsTopic:Federal GovernmentPhoto shows A woman on a stage is smiling.No matter how he spins it, this is a major capitulation from TrumpAnalysis by Carrington ClarkePhoto shows A close up of Donald Trump's face as he looks over his shoulder with a casual expression.Why the Reserve Bank is wary of rocketing real estate pricesIAnalysis by Ian VerrenderPhoto shows A man walks past two terrace housesGirl in 24/7 care 'so far gone' she may die from sexual exploitationTopic:Child AbusePhoto shows A woman rushing in a hospital corridor.Popular nowNo matter how he spins it, this is a major capitulation from TrumpAnalysis by Carrington ClarkePhoto shows A close up of Donald Trump's face as he looks over his shoulder with a casual expression.Girl in 24/7 care 'so far gone' she may die from sexual exploitationTopic:Child AbusePhoto shows A woman rushing in a hospital corridor.Sussan Ley has made history, but her future is full of problemsTopic:Federal GovernmentPhoto shows A woman on a stage is smiling.Related topicsDrowningsMount GambierPerthThailandTop StoriesSussan Ley rejects her Liberal leadership victory is a 'glass cliff' appointmentTopic:Government and PoliticsPhoto shows Susan Ley talks while standing behind a lectern. Behind her is an Australian flag.Sussan Ley has made history, but her future is full of problemsTopic:Federal GovernmentNo matter how he spins it, this is a major capitulation from TrumpAnalysis by Carrington ClarkeWhy the Reserve Bank is wary of rocketing real estate pricesIAnalysis by Ian VerrenderGirl in 24/7 care 'so far gone' she may die from sexual exploitationTopic:Child AbuseJust InWhyalla steelworks port ownership dispute triggers law changeTopic:Steel19m ago19 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 6:19amCity of Melbourne budget promises CCTV cameras and lighting in safety blitzTopic:Local Government21m ago21 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 6:17amSussan Ley has made history, but her future is full of problemsTopic:Federal Government38m ago38 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 5:59amFrom prisons to roads and health: The NT budget's winners and losersTopic:State and Territory Government39m ago39 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 5:59amMore Just InBack to top