A prominent Australian lawyer was found dead in a Koh Samui massage parlour on July 7, 2025, in a case now under investigation by Thai authorities after a suspicious white powder was discovered in his clothing.
Christopher Saines, 43, CEO of Brisbane-based GLG Legal, was found unresponsive at Siam Touch Massage in Bo Phut early Monday morning. Thai police were called to the scene at approximately 6am after a masseuse discovered he was no longer breathing.
Saines, who was vacationing with his wife and two young children at the luxury Villa Mia resort, reportedly left his accommodation shortly after midnight for a 400-baht oil massage. CCTV footage shows him arriving alone and barefoot, holding a can of beer.
The masseuse on duty, a 47-year-old woman identified as Premyupa, told police that Saines had requested a massage and later said he wanted to lie down and rest. She noted that he was still snoring when she checked on him around 4am, but was unresponsive two hours later.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Phumaret Inkong confirmed that a small ziplock bag containing a white powder was found in Saines’ trouser pocket. Preliminary field tests suggest the substance could be an illegal drug, but authorities have not yet confirmed its identity. The substance has been sent for laboratory analysis.
“There were no signs of injury or struggle,” Lt. Col. Inkong said. “The massage appeared to have proceeded normally. The masseuse was unharmed.”
Saines’ body has been transferred to Surat Thani Hospital, where a post-mortem examination and toxicology screening are underway. Results are expected in the coming days.
His wife, Chantho, a manager at GLG Legal, was notified of his death on July 8. The couple was in Thailand ahead of Saines’ upcoming birthday on July 18.
In a statement, GLG Legal described Saines as “a dedicated family man” and “a warm, loving, and caring person.” The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing assistance to the family.
