British Tourist Missing in Southeast Asia After Christmas Day Video Call, Police Appeal for Information
LONDON | January 6, 2026
A British holidaymaker has gone missing more than 6,000 miles from home after last being seen by his family on Christmas Day via a video call, prompting an urgent international appeal by police.
Mark Counsell, a 31-year-old man from Pontypool in South Wales, was reported missing after contact with his loved ones abruptly stopped while he was travelling solo across Southeast Asia. According to authorities, Counsell was last seen on December 25 during a FaceTime call made between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time.
Police believe Counsell may currently be in Thailand or in the Kuala Lumpur area of Malaysia, two destinations commonly visited by backpackers and long-term travelers during the holiday season.
Police Launch International Search
Gwent Police confirmed the missing person report and said officers are working to establish Counsell’s movements following the Christmas Day call.
“We’re appealing for information to find Mark Counsell, 31, who has been reported as missing,” a Gwent Police spokesperson said. “Mark was last seen on Thursday 25 December between 9am and 10am on video call, as he has been travelling Thailand recently.”
Authorities have not disclosed further details about Counsell’s itinerary, accommodation, or whether he had plans to travel onward to Malaysia, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.
Family’s Growing Concern
Counsell’s family became increasingly concerned after repeated attempts to reach him failed in the days following Christmas. Relatives say the video call on December 25 was the last confirmed contact and gave no indication that anything was wrong at the time.
Cases involving missing British tourists abroad often require coordination between local law enforcement, international agencies, and the UK Foreign Office. Southeast Asia, while popular among travelers, has vast transit routes and border crossings that can complicate search efforts.
Appeal to the Public
Police are urging anyone who may have seen Counsell in Thailand, Malaysia, or neighboring regions, or who may have interacted with him since December 25, to come forward immediately. Travelers, hotel staff, hostel operators, tour guides, and transport workers are being asked to check records and report any relevant information.
Members of the public with information are advised to contact Gwent Police directly or reach out to local authorities in the region where Counsell may have been seen.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, with officers continuing to trace digital, financial, and travel records to reconstruct Counsell’s last known movements. Police say every credible lead is being assessed as part of efforts to locate him safely.
As the search continues, authorities stress that even small details could prove crucial.
