Crime
Expat Stephen Phillips Gunned Down While Riding Home on Scooter
Chiangrai Times – A murder investigation is under way after a man believed to be from Manchester was shot dead in Thailand.
Stephen Phillips was on a motorcycle near the city of Khon Kaen when he was shot and killed.
Friends in Thailand said Mr Phillips, who was in his late 50s, was a retired railway worker and a keen Manchester United fan.
He had lived in the city in north-eastern Thailand, for several years but had recently moved 30 miles away to a town called Ban Phai. He was a regular at Number 1 Bar in Khon Kaen, which is a popular drinking spot for British ex-pats.
Foreign Office officials said they are working with the local Thai police and are assisting the dead man’s family.
A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We can confirm the death of a British national in Thailand on August 24.
“We are in contact with the local authorities and are assisting the family.”
One friend said on an internet forum for British ex-pats in Thailand that Mr Phillips was heading home on his motorbike when he was shot and killed.
He said: “Steve was one of my best friends in Khon Kaen. He lived in Khon Kaen for many years. He was a keen Manchester United fan.
“Quite recently, he left Khon Kaen to return to Ban Phai. The British Embassy are fully aware of Steve’s death.”