PHUKET– Police on the resort island of Phuket have confirmed that British reality TV personality Jordan Wright was found dead in a drainage ditch near Bang Tao Beach. Wright, 33, had appeared on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) and Ex On The Beach .
He had been reported missing after he did not check out of his hotel as planned. A migrant worker found his body on March 14.
The news has stunned people in the reality TV scene and the British community in Thailand. Wright had moved to the country in January and had shared posts online about starting over. Police are still investigating, and an autopsy is underway to confirm how he died.
The Discovery Near Bang Tao Beach
At about 12:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, March 14, a Burmese migrant worker discovered Wright’s body while working near Bang Tao Beach. He was found face down in still water inside a drainage ditch.
He wore a gray shirt and black pants, but he had no shoes on. Police also found a key card for the COCO Phuket Bangtao Hotel in his pocket, and his phone was lying nearby on the bank.
Lieutenant Colonel Sutthirak Chuthong of Choeng Thale Police Station said officers found no visible signs of assault. Authorities believe the body may have been in the water for as long as two days. They sent it to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a full autopsy, including tests for drugs and other substances.
Hotel staff first raised concerns after Wright failed to check out on March 13. He had checked in alone. When staff could not reach him, they searched his room and found no signs of forced entry or a struggle.
Jordan Wright’s Career, From Firefighter to Reality TV
Jordan Wright became known to UK audiences in the late 2010s. He was from Basildon, Essex , and first appeared on MTV’s Ex On The Beach in 2017, where he featured in eight episodes.
A year later, he joined ITV’s T he Only Way Is Essex and appeared in 17 episodes. Viewers remembered him for his easy charm, his flirtation with co-star Courtney Green, and a tense on-screen clash involving her former partner.
Before television, Wright worked as a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade. Later, he moved into finance and became director of Hampton Gate Wealth, a London company focused on alternative fixed-income strategies.
He briefly returned to firefighting at one stage, but then stepped away from public attention and spent more time on other interests, including DJing.
People close to him remembered him as warm and full of life. Former manager Alex Shafiq described him as “a fun lad who lit up any room with his smile.” Friend and DJ Stuart Hart called him “a really lovely boy, always happy and fun to be around.” Wright had also previously been linked to Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison.
A Fresh Start in Thailand
Wright moved to Thailand in January, saying he wanted a new beginning. His Instagram posts showed him enjoying his new life. He shared clips of scuba diving, riding motorbikes, training in martial arts, and spending time by the sea. His last post, shared on March 6, showed him drinking wine in an infinity pool. In the caption, he suggested that Thailand already felt like home.
Friends said he seemed excited about leaving the UK and settling into a slower pace of life. Phuket , with its beaches and large expat community, appeared to offer exactly what he had been looking for. Bang Tao Beach, where his body was later found, is a well-known area popular with both vacationers and long-term residents.
Timeline of Events
- January 2026: Jordan Wright moves to Thailand and shares online that he is looking for a fresh start.
- Early March: He posts videos of island life, including scuba diving, motorbike rides, and beach scenes.
- March 6: He shares his final Instagram post, showing himself in an infinity pool.
- Early March, later that week: He checks into the COCO Phuket Bangtao Hotel alone, with checkout scheduled for March 13.
- March 13: He does not check out, and hotel staff cannot contact him. They report concerns over his whereabouts.
- March 14: A migrant worker finds his body at around 12:30 p.m. in a drainage ditch near Bang Tao Beach.
- After the discovery: Police identify him through the hotel key card, review CCTV footage, and send his body for autopsy.
Authorities are still trying to piece together what happened in his final hours.
What Phuket Police Have Said So Far
Thai police have continued to examine the case carefully. Lieutenant Colonel Sutthirak Chuthong said CCTV footage from the hotel area showed Wright appearing unsettled and walking back and forth before leaving. That footage is now part of the investigation and has not been released to the public.
At this stage, police have not confirmed foul play. Still, the case remains open while officers wait for toxicology and autopsy results. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said, “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Choeng Thale Police Station has also asked friends and relatives with relevant information to come forward. Investigators hope the autopsy will show whether drowning or another factor led to his death.
Tributes From Friends, Fans, and Former Co-Stars
After news of Wright’s death broke, tributes quickly appeared online. A spokesperson for TOWIE said, “Everyone at TOWIE sends their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jordan Wright at this very sad time.”
Several reality stars also shared messages on Instagram. Chloe Brockett wrote, “rest in peace Jordan.” Former Love Island contestant Chloe Crowhurst posted a similar tribute. Liam “Gatsby” Blackwell, a former TOWIE cast member, wrote, “Miss you already brother.” Ex On The Beach star Brandon Myers added, “Lost for words bro. Amazing memories with you mate. Rest easy brother.”
Fans filled Wright’s final Instagram post with messages of shock and sadness. One called him “a really special soul” with “so much success coming.” People from his hometown in Basildon also spoke warmly of him, describing him as polite, cheeky, and friendly.
Phuket, Expat Life, and Ongoing Questions
Phuket remains one of the most popular places in Thailand for British tourists and expats. Bang Tao Beach is known for its high-end resorts, calm water, and relaxed atmosphere. Still, cases involving drainage areas and quiet spots can raise concerns about safety and local conditions.
Wright’s death has also highlighted the risks that can come with starting over in a new country. Thailand attracts millions of visitors every year, and local officials often remind travelers and expats to stay in touch with family, friends, and hotel staff.
As the investigation continues, the reality TV community is mourning a familiar face gone far too soon. Jordan Wright’s path, from Essex firefighter to TV personality to a man chasing a new life in Thailand, has ended in heartbreak. His family, friends, and fans are now left waiting for answers.
For now, police in Phuket are continuing their work, and many are hoping the autopsy will provide a clearer picture of what happened.
