A German-Turkish tourist has been reported missing after losing contact with his family since 23 July, shortly after travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
The man has been identified as 32-year-old Ali Karakoyunlu, who is also known as Ali Apostolakis. His family and former girlfriend are appealing for information after attempts to contact him through several messaging platforms and his Thai mobile number brought no response.
A Facebook user, Suppanat Essie, said she had the family's permission to publish his details. She said a missing-person report has been made and Chiang Mai Tourist Police have been asked to help with the search.
Journey from Japan to Chiang Mai
In an update, Suppanat said Ali's sister, Kubra, contacted her through Instagram on 29 July and provided details of his last known movements.
According to Kubra, Ali left Japan at 8.55am on 20 July and arrived in Thailand at 2pm the same day. He then travelled by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on 21 July.
The family lost contact with him two days later, on 23 July. Relatives and Suppanat have since tried reaching him through Line, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and his Thai number.
They said the phone has sometimes been switched off, while at other times it has rung without being answered.
Police have found no preliminary record of Ali being admitted to a hospital in Chiang Mai. Officers have also been unable to locate accommodation bookings made under his name in the province.
Embassy coordination now needed
Suppanat said she has also contacted the Mirror Foundation, a Thai non-governmental organisation involved in a range of social issues.
She added that Ali's family must now coordinate through the Turkish embassy so that the relevant embassies can formally work together on the case.
Suppanat has urged anyone who may have seen Ali, or knows where he may be, to come forward.
Picture courtesy of Facebook Suppanat Essie
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3 August 2026
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