'My daughter died after taking drugs in Thailand'

Rebecca Turner, 36, took what she thought was cocaine in southeast Asia

The family of a woman found dead in a Bangkok hotel room after unwittingly taking a fatal mixture of drugs has urged others not to take illegal substances.

Rebecca Turner, 36, from Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex, was found dead alongside her boyfriend after taking what they thought was cocaine, her family said.

Her sister, Lois Turner, and father Ron Turner, also from Bexhill, said they were told the Thai authorities concluded Rebecca had taken a combination of nine different drugs, including painkiller, sleeping pills and anxiety medication.

"I never thought she would take drugs at all," said Mr Turner. "I just got a phone call one day to say she had passed away. I couldn't believe it."

'Things have been tough'

Mr Turner told the BBC he still thinks Rebecca, known as Bec, will come through the door.

Her death has "destroyed" the family, he said.

"It will take a long time. We'll never forget. Every time we see a picture of her, it brings back memories.

"Things have been tough."

Ms Turner died in March last year after attending a friend's wedding in Thailand, where she used to live.

Rebecca Turner (right), Ron (middle) and her sister Lois (left) spent their last Christmas together in 2023

Lois Turner urged young people travelling to Thailand to avoid taking drugs because the consequences could be fatal.

"It is important for people to know that taking drugs, just a one-off, you are potentially risking your whole life and destroying families," she said.

"You really have to think - is it worth it?"

An inquest into Ms Turner's death has been opened.

A date for the hearing has not yet been set by East Sussex County Council's Coroner's Office.