A FAMILY has paid tribute to a man murdered in Thailand by a gang of yobs.

Peter Chambers was savagely attacked by the gang, who were on motorbikes, just yards from his home in Chonburi.

The 59-year-old from Basildon, who had been living in the country and working as a builder, had been travelling to his home when he got into a dispute with the thugs.

He got out of his car to confront them, but was attacked.

Mr Chambers was badly beaten and was taken to hospital where he remained in a coma for two-weeks.

He died two weeks later, the day before his 60th birthday.

His family in south Essex have been left devastated and are still waiting for answers about the death.

He was cremated just three days after he died in Thailand, while the Thai authorities are treating his murder as “death by assault”. No one has been arrested in connection with the murder.

Paying tribute to the builder, brother-in-law Malcolm Pounds, 61, from Southend, said: “I didn’t know anyone who didn’t like him.

“He was a typical, cheeky Basildon lad.

“Peter was such a likeable bloke and we are so devastated he has gone.”

Mr Chambers moved to Basildon from West Ham aged 15.

His family moved to the New Town as part of the relocation of the Yardley perfumery.

Mr Chambers, who previously lived in Falstones, Timberlog Lane, and Hockley Road, worked as a builder and was a well known character in Basildon.

He died on January 12, but had been visiting his family in Essex the month before where he enjoyed a family Christmas.

Sisters Eileen Pounds, 62, and Jacqueline Cussell, 50, and 83-year-old mum Bridget Chambers, are holding a memorial service in tribute to him.

The service takes place on Saturday at 2pm at the Basildon Baptist Church, Codenham Straight, Basildon.