Any instructions available online for what to do when an Australian national dies in Thailand?

[konisaan]

A close friend died in Chiang Mai this evening after a long illness. He is Australian and died in bed with friends and family observing. Currently waiting for the police to arrive.

His Thai family here know what to do regarding hospital, death certificate, burial etc. I just wanted help out with any Australian embassy related matters. If someone has a link to a site that deals with this, I would appreciate it. I believe the consulate in Chiang Mai is closed so perhaps I will have to deal directly with Bangkok

[simple1]

The RTP should inform the Embassy / Consulate of the death of your friend. As your friend died in natural circumstances would assume the Embassy will not require an autopsy at the RTP hospital in BKK.

Info on services available in the case of death of an Australian citizen overseas:

http://smartraveller.gov.au/tips/death.html#family

If the Embassy is closed and you need emergency consular assistance, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra is there to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact the CEC by calling the Embassy switchboard 02-3446300 and follow the prompts for emergency consular assistance.

[Saan]

The RTP should inform the Embassy / Consulate of the death of your friend. As your friend died in natural circumstances would assume the Embassy will not require an autopsy at the RTP hospital in BKK.

Info on services available in the case of death of an Australian citizen overseas:

http://smartraveller.gov.au/tips/death.html#family

If the Embassy is closed and you need emergency consular assistance, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra is there to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact the CEC by calling the Embassy switchboard 02-3446300 and follow the prompts for emergency consular assistance.

There is really nothing you have to do. The police will automatically inform the Australian officials.

The honorary Australian Consul, Mike Walther, should be back in Chiang Mai any day, if he is not already back, if you need to speak to him for more personal advice. Give him a call on 0818377750.

Mike will still perform limited duties until November by when a new honorary consul will be appointed.

I believe there is a shortlist of three that has been drawn up for the position.

My condolences to all the deceased's family and friends.

[Loaded]

Sorry for your lose.

Autopsy is not compulsory. However, there won't be a cause of death on the death certificate which possibly may complicate things if there are insurance policies. The body should be taken to Suandok hospital's mortuary where it will stay until the correct paperwork is presented when it can then be released for the cremation.

Translate the death certificate and have it notarized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at City Hall. The notarized copy will be needed to initiate probate in his home country.

[Lizard2010]

I also have wondered what to do

Thanks for the information so far

Maybe more might have more information that they can share

[simple1]

So I will need to find out if he had any assets in Australia (if not, there is no probate I would assume). Also to find out if he had an insurance policy of some kind (if not, cause of death on the death certificate is irrelevant)

At the appropriate time see if you can ascertain if your friend had a Superannuation account in Australia, he may have left the balance to his wife / family, also may have had life insurance as a component. If so his wife may need assistance with the paperwork.

Condolences for you and the family...