Repatriation from Thailand: step by step

Allow 2-4 weeks for a straightforward case from Thailand. Where nothing is contested it can be done in 10-14 days. Where a post-mortem or a police investigation has to conclude first, expect 4-12 weeks or longer.

There is no standard figure, and quoting one before we know the case would be misleading. The cost of bringing someone home from Thailand moves with the place of death, whether an investigation has to finish first, the paperwork required, and which flights carry remains on that route. Tell us what happened and we will come back with a figure, with no obligation.

Cremation is available in Thailand. Widely available across Thailand. Cremation is the default Buddhist practice. Temples and dedicated crematoria are common. After a cremation abroad, ashes can normally be carried home to the UK in hand luggage, provided the cremation certificate travels with them; other countries set their own rules for bringing ashes in. If home is the UK, do not cremate abroad if a UK coroner may need to hold an inquest. Cremation destroys evidence that a post-mortem would require. This is particularly important for Thailand given the higher rate of sudden and unexplained deaths.

Embalming quality in Bangkok is generally good. On islands (Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh Phangan) and in rural areas, quality may be lower and facilities more basic. Body may need to be transported to Bangkok for preparation.

The British post covering Thailand is in Bangkok. What consular staff will do is register the death with UK authorities, give you a list of local funeral directors, and help you reach an insurer. What they cannot do is meet any cost, arrange the repatriation itself, or release the body. The FCDO 24 hour line is +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

If no arrangements are made within 30 days, Thai authorities may proceed with a pauper's mass funeral. Families must act promptly. The British Embassy in Bangkok must be notified. The embassy issues a letter required to release the body from Thai authorities. This is applied for online. Without this letter, the body cannot be released for repatriation or cremation. Note: ashes do NOT require an embassy letter.

Thailand requires: Thai death certificate (with MFA certification), British Embassy body release letter, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Passport of deceased (or certified copy), Police report (if applicable), Post-mortem report (if conducted, may take 45+ business days), Airline cargo documentation. Thai bureaucracy can be slow. Each document requires different offices. Translation and MFA certification add time. Post-mortem reports take approximately 45 business days. The embassy release letter process is an additional step not required in European countries. Documentation typically takes 7-21 days minimum. Often longer. Most of this is gathered for you by the funeral director acting locally.

Post mortem is normally required for non-Thai nationals. Standard procedure, not just for suspicious deaths. Police forensic surgeon Major factor in delays. Body may be held until post-mortem is complete. Report delays do not necessarily hold up body release, but can complicate UK processes. Report issued to police, not directly to next of kin. Embassy can assist in obtaining.