A photo of Francis O’Brien taken while he was in police custody
The Dundalk man who has been missing in Thailand for the last few days while suffering from memory loss has been found and is on his way home.
Francis ‘Flossy’ O’Brien was discovered wandering in the Thalang area of Phuket at around 9pm last Saturday.
He was spotted by locals who became concerned for his welfare and brought him to Thalang police station.
Reports claim that Francis was able to inform officers that he was on holiday, but was unable to tell them how or why he came to be alone in the Thalang area. He was only identifiable due to his driving licence.
He was later released by police, who said they don’t know where he is now and added that Mr O’Brien’s welfare was not their responsibility.
His family have been dealing with the Irish consul in Thailand to look for him ever since, with a family friend confirming his return just moments ago saying: “I was talking to Flossy’s brother Oliver and he has confirmed that Flossy is on his way home. All is well. Thank God for great news.”
It is expected that Mr O’Brien will be reunited with his family tomorrow morning.
Earlier, Mr O’Brien’s family had criticised Thai authorities for letting him go while he was in their custody.
Commenting on the matter in the Irish Daily Star today, Francis’s brother Charlie said the police should never have let him go given his condition.
