An Australian lawyer, Christopher Saines, has died unexpectedly after a massage while on holiday in Thailand. The 43-year-old CEO of Brisbane law firm GLG Legal was discovered unresponsive at a massage parlour on the island of Koh Samui around 6 a.m. local time on Monday.
According to staff at Siam Touch Massage, Saines arrived alone and barefoot, requesting a massage. “After we finished, he said he wanted to lie down and rest. I left him for a while, and when I came back, he was still snoring. It wasn’t until much later I realised he wasn’t breathing,” a masseuse named Premyupa told police.
Christopher Saines was later found cold and unresponsive, with both legs hanging off the side of the bed. Emergency services arrived at around 7 a.m., and Police Lieutenant Colonel Phumaret Inkong reported that Saines was “lying dead” with no signs of injury or struggle.
Investigation and Initial Findings
The police are not treating the death as suspicious. “There were no signs of physical struggle. The masseuse had no injuries either. The massage proceeded normally,” Inkong said. However, a ziplock bag containing a white powder, suspected to be cocaine, was found in Saines’ trouser pocket.
“We can’t confirm it yet, it needs to be sent for lab analysis. From initial field testing using police reagents, it’s presumed to be an illegal drug, but we’re not sure if it’s actually cocaine,” Inkong added. Authorities are awaiting post-mortem results to confirm the cause of death.
Personal and Professional Background
Saines was reportedly holidaying on the island with his wife and children and had been staying at the luxury beachfront Villa Mia. He had paid 400 baht (about $19) for a one-hour traditional oil massage.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Saines graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Queensland University of Technology in 2006 and had been working in the legal field ever since. He became CEO of GLG Legal in 2014, following roles at several of Queensland’s top law firms. The GLG website describes Saines as a leading commercial and property solicitor who was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2006.
Family and Community Reactions
Christopher Saines has been remembered as a dedicated family man and a remarkable father. In a statement released by the family, they expressed their “unimaginable sorrow” over Saines’ sudden passing.
“Christopher was a deeply loved member of our family and a remarkable person whose presence brought light to us,” the statement read. “Christopher leaves behind his loving wife and two young children. He was a dedicated family man and a remarkable father. He will be remembered by us as a warm, loving, and caring person.”
The statement continued, “At just 43, Christopher had already made a profound impact through his professional achievements and his unwavering commitment to the people and causes he cared about most. He lived with purpose, passion, and drive. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received during this incredibly painful time from our friends, colleagues, and the broader public.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is providing consular assistance to the family of the Australian who died in Thailand. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a spokesperson said. “Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”
Implications and Next Steps
This tragic incident underscores the importance of safety and health checks while traveling abroad. As the investigation continues, the legal community in Brisbane and beyond mourns the loss of a respected leader and advocate. The results of the post-mortem and substance analysis will be crucial in determining the circumstances surrounding Saines’ untimely death.
Meanwhile, the family and colleagues of Christopher Saines continue to receive support from both local and international communities, highlighting the far-reaching impact of his life and work.
