Brisbane lawyer Christopher Saines dies unexpectedly after massage while on holiday in Thailand

An Australian lawyer has died unexpectedly after a massage while on holiday in Thailand.

Christopher Saines, the 43-year-old CEO of Brisbane law firm GLG Legal, was found unresponsive at a massage parlour on the island of Koh Samui at about 6am (9am AEST) 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.

She said she could still hear him snoring at about 4am.

He was later found cold and unresponsive, with both legs hanging off the side of the bed.

When emergency services arrived at around 7am, Saines was “lying dead” with no signs of injury or struggle, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Phumaret Inkong.

“The masseuse said that he was snoring so loudly that they had to ask the guests nearby if they wanted to change rooms,” Inkong said.

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.

Inkong added that 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,” he said.

Authorities are awaiting post-mortem results to confirm the cause of death.

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.

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.

“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.”