Body confirmed as tourist’s

The body of a man pulled out of the Chao Phraya River in late December was that of Japanese tourist Sonam Tsuboi, his family, who identified the body yesterday, says.

The family lost contact with Tsuboi, 22, on Dec 27 and later reported him missing. His family came to Thailand to search for him.

Police said on Sunday the body, found drifting along the river near Wang Lang pier on Dec 30, was likely to be that of Tsuboi judging by a tattoo found on his left ankle in a preliminary autopsy.

His parents and girlfriend, who were brought to Siriraj Hospital’s forensic unit yesterday to identify the body, confirmed it was Tsuboi’s, according to Phisit Maiprasert, assistant to a consulate-general of Japan in Thailand who accompanied them.

No injuries were found on the body, which suggested he was not attacked, and his relatives did not suspect foul play, Mr Phisit said.

Tsuboi’s close friend said the victim suffered from depression and wanted to be alone before he went missing, Mr Phisit said.

It could take a few days to handle the paperwork before Tsuboi’s body can be reclaimed for his funeral, he said. The body will be cremated at a Thai temple and the ashes sent to Japan, where a religious ceremony will be held.

Visutr Fongsiripaibul, chief of Siriraj Hospital’s Department of Forensic Medicine, said tissue samples from the body will be taken for examination.

The results of the official autopsy should be known in a week and will be sent to police investigators, he said.

Pol Col Anek Praisri, superintendent of Bang Kholaem police station, said Tsuboi was last seen at the Bang Lamphu intersection, according to CCTV footage. At this point in time, no evidence has come to light which can confirm if he jumped into the river himself, he said.

Pol Col Anek also called on members of the public who found Tsuboi’s backpack to return it to Bang Kholaem police, adding his passport and air ticket are believed to be in it.