Eastbourne man found dead in Thailand, says brother

Andrew Apperley, 38, went missing on holiday after heading to a Full Moon party at the island of Koh Phangan on February 13. His body was found four days later.

Mr Apperley’s brother, Richard, is fighting to find out what happened to him – particularly after a friend received chilling last messages from Andrew saying, “I had a mad night all the guys wanting kill ...me... scary guy with the face mask.”

Richard Apperley, who lives in Gloucestershire, said, “It’s an awful situation. I can’t get closure until I know what’s happened.

“I have had reports of people saying they have seen videos of him tied up in the water.

“It’s horrible. The more I ask about it the worse it looks.

“I have heard a lot of horror stories about the area.”

Richard has set up a social media campaign in his search for answers, as he feels not enough is being done by the authorities.

He said, “People from all over the world are sharing information on Facebook. I hope it keeps growing. 
“Social media is a powerful tool. And the Lucie Blackman Trust has been very supportive.

“I want to get to the bottom of what happened.

“I’m just trying to keep busy. When I stop it’s going to hit me.”

Richard says he aims to go to Thailand with his mother soon.

He said Andrew, of Pevensey, left behind a young daughter and wife, and described him as a “really friendly, gentle guy” who was a “fitness fanatic” and loved to travel.

The Lucie Blackman Trust supports British victims overseas. For more information, visit www.lbtrust.org/