How it all began…

I am in Thailand, searching for traces of my biological father - and for his body…

How did this come about? Let's rewind a bit:

There's a knock at the door; two policewomen… And then like in a movie: "Are you ...?", "Can we come in?" & "Could we perhaps sit down somewhere quietly?" - still, I am not prepared for what is to come…

"Your father has been found deceased - in a bungalow on Koh Phangan in Thailand."

Background: Udo - my biological father - and my mother separated when I was very young. I hadn't had contact with him or his side of the family for over 40 years.

I receive the contact details of the German Embassy in Bangkok - which can only partially answer my questions, of which new ones arise daily…

Piece by piece, I learn that as the only child, I am "responsible" for the repatriation, which can cost up to €20,000 - and I become more and more curious? Why Thailand, and of all places on an island where I have vacationed before…?!

I search the internet for his (quite large) family, with moderate success. My mother also goes on the search, finds the phone number of one of his brothers, and calls: It is indeed my uncle! The next day, one of my cousins gradually reaches out to me, and I have many heartwarming phone calls! From them & a long-time friend of Udo’s, I also learn that he liked to spend the winter half of the year in Thailand or India.

It turns out that I could also organize the funeral from Germany through international funeral companies, which is relatively expensive (and much more costly than if I were there). Udo's family steps in, helps me with the costs, and I just need to book!

I find quite a few accommodations right away, but I'm more concerned about the flight. I think a lot about the journey (flight to Bangkok & then train/ferry, or domestic flight to Koh Samui/ferry?). It will be a flight to Koh Samui via Singapore. Suddenly, the accommodation situation doesn't look so good anymore: it's peak season (which I was aware of), and Full Moon Party (which I was not aware of)! I find a small apartment and start packing…