Stephen Paterson, 35, was killed when his motorbike hit a pole in Koh Phangan after the Full Moon Party 10 days ago.

As reported on this page last week, the British insurer refused to pay for Paterson's body to be flown home because his policy stipulated it only covered him for accidents on bikes up to 50cc, while he had apparently been killed while riding a 125cc bike.

Generous workmates

Employees at the Sainbury's Straiton store - where Paterson's parents Jack and Margaret work - collected the £3000 (Bt187,000) needed to fly the backpacker's body home, edinburgh.news.scotsman.com reported recently.

Mrs Paterson, 58, was quoted thanking her colleagues, saying the family could now give Stephen a proper burial. "Everyone has been more than helpful and generous. Sainsbury's have been really supportive."

Staff at the supermarket had collected half the sum needed and hoped to be able to collect the full amount.

Thai suspect

Meanwhile, a man suspected of killing an Indian tourist during a full moon party on Koh Phangan has surrendered to police. Thani Rakkapao, 24, from Surat Thani, confessed to fatally stabbing Chetan Dadhwal, 24, on March 22, police said. They charged him with unintentional murder.

Local authorities plan to boost safety on the island by installing more than 200 surveillance cameras by the end of the year.

Daily Xpress