British tourist goes missing on holiday in Thailand after last being seen on Christmas Day

He is believed to have either disappeared in Thailand or in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, according to authorities.

However, police remain at a loss as to where the man from Pontypool, South Wales, ended up.

Gwent Police said: “We’re appealing for information to find Mark Counsell, 31, who has been reported as missing.

“Mark was last seen on Thursday 25 December between 9am and 10am on a video call, as he has been travelling in Thailand recently.”

They added: “He is believed to be in either Thailand or the Kuala Lumpur area of Malaysia.

“He is described as a white male, aged 31 years old, 5ft 9in tall, with an average build.”

Police said he has “short brown hair with faded sides” and a “short brown/ginger beard which is longer on the chin”.

The force continued: “He was last seen wearing a khaki-coloured Fred Perry T-shirt.

“Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call us on 101 or send us a direct message on social media, quoting log reference 2600001644.”

They added: “Mark is also urged to get in touch with us.”

It follows a backpacker from Britain being found safe two weeks after he vanished into the Thai jungle.

He was feared to have been lured into a scam compound run by organised crime gangs, but was located after 10 days of surviving in the forest.

Lawrence Stallard Honour, 19, lived off ants and tree bark before being found at a temple in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, in October.

Thai police launched a desperate search near the border following his disappearance, before being notified that the teenager had been found alive.

Mr Stallard Honour said he walked through the forest for days, navigating tricky terrain while scavenging for unorthodox foods to survive.

Officials said there were no signs the teenager had been abused or trafficked.