BANGKOK – The search for Joshua Kershaw, a 21-year-old British tourist who went missing while travelling in Thailand, has ended in tragedy. Joshua, from Grimsby in Lincolnshire, was reported missing after his family last heard from him on 12 January 2026. His body has since allegedly been found in his hotel room in Bangkok, confirming his relatives’ worst fears.
Joshua Kershaw had travelled to Thailand for a week-long holiday and flew into Bangkok. He last spoke to his mum, Jenny, on FaceTime soon after checking into his hotel, saying he was going out to get something to eat.
His family believed he planned to visit Pattaya, a well-known tourist area popular for its nightlife, bars, and beaches. When he stopped replying to messages and then missed his return flight from Bangkok to London Heathrow on 19 January, the family raised the alarm. UK authorities later treated the case as high risk, and appeals for information followed.
Body Allegedly found in a Bangkok hotel.
Early assumptions that Joshua Kershaw had reached Pattaya were wrong. Hotel staff found him in his room in Bangkok on 14 January, two days after his last call home, but the discovery was not immediately connected to the missing person report. The family had told authorities, including the British Embassy, that he was thought to be in Pattaya, which delayed the link being made.
Reports say Joshua was found in bed with a bandage around his arm. The cause of death has not been confirmed and is still under investigation, with a post-mortem examination expected. Thai authorities are handling the case, and his body is being held at a morgue.
The British Embassy in Bangkok supported the family as concerns grew. Relatives contacted the embassy soon after Joshua stopped responding, sharing details and asking for help working with Thai police.
Embassy staff helped with communication between the UK and local authorities and provided consular support. While the embassy did not run the on-the-ground search, it offered guidance during the days of uncertainty. Following the confirmation of his death, the embassy is continuing to help with repatriation arrangements and welfare support for the family.
Tributes from family and friends
Joshua Kershaw’s mum, Jenny, shared the news on Facebook, writing: “As much as my heart is breaking right now. We have now located Josh. But unfortunately he was not alive. We are now trying to get his body back to the UK.” She said her son was “cheeky and happy”, and explained he worked as a landscaper and had been excited about his first big solo trip abroad.
Other relatives, including organiser Jade Kershaw, spoke about their grief, describing the outcome as “unimaginable” and “not the outcome we were praying for”. Friends and extended family also paid tribute online, remembering Joshua Kershaw as kind and full of life, and speaking about his close bond with his mum. The family has also spoken about the shock of learning his body had been found days earlier, adding to the heartbreak of the wait.
GoFundMe is Now Focused on Bringing Joshua Kershaw Home
During the search, the family set up a GoFundMe page called “Help Us Find Joshua Kershaw (Sadler) – Missing in Thailand”, organised by Jade Kershaw. Donations were raised to support possible travel to Thailand and other urgent costs linked to the search. After the tragic confirmation, the page was updated, and funds will now go towards bringing Joshua back to the UK, funeral costs, and related expenses.
The family has thanked people for their kindness and generosity, saying the support has helped them through an awful time. Donations are still being accepted as they work to return Joshua home and lay him to rest with loved ones.
The family has asked for privacy as they grieve, while also thanking everyone who shared appeals and offered support. Updates are expected as the investigation continues.
