A GRIEVING Colchester family have paid tribute to a “much-loved” father who has been murdered in Thailand.Mark Jones, 42, was stabbed twice in the back on Wednesday night, Thai police have revealed.

By Sharon Asplin

A GRIEVING Colchester family have paid tribute to a “much-loved” father who has been murdered in Thailand.

Mark Jones, 42, was stabbed twice in the back on Wednesday night, Thai police have revealed.

His Thai father-in-law has been charged with his murder.

The family of Mr Jones, who live in Colchester, yesterday spoke for the first time about the tragedy.

In a statement issued through Essex Police they said: “Mark was a much-loved son, brother and father. This tragedy has occurred at a time in his life when he was happiest, and overjoyed at being a dad.

“We miss him terribly and would like to be left alone at this tragic time to grieve.”

Mr Jones had been with his Thai wife Saichai Chantee for about two years and the couple had a one-year-old son.

The stabbing happened at Son Chantee's home in Pak Chong district, Nakorn Ratchasima province, 75 miles north east of Bangkok.

Police refused to give details about the case, saying only that it was a "family matter" that involved "marital problems".

Mr Jones's father-in-law has been charged with premeditated murder and released on bail.

Thai police now have a maximum of 84 days to submit papers to the public prosecutor.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said that Mr Jones had been living in Thailand for about two years.

Ian Proud, a spokesman for the British Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, said: "Obviously the matter is now under investigation but we are aware of the situation.

"I know consular staff have been working with the Foreign Office in London since receiving notification of the matter.”