Thomas Louis Payne died in Bangkok aged 33 years.

He was born in Slaughterford and spent his early years there before moving into Chippenham. He attended Ivy Lane School and continued on to Hardenhuish School.

He enjoyed a variety of activities including belonging to 1st Chippenham Scouts and Venture Scouts and a drama club. He achieved excellent academic qualifications and was a member of Mensa.

He obtained his degree in physics at the University of Manchester and then worked in a chicken factory at Sutton Benger to fund travelling the world with his friends.

On his return he gained his Post Graduate Certificate of Education at Bristol University and worked for two years as a science teacher at Hanham High School in Bristol.

He took a break from teaching and became a Chippenham taxi driver well-known as ‘Happy Harry’.

He fulfilled his ambition to return to Asia and spent the last 18 months working in Thailand in Sarasas Withaed in Bangbon, a private school in the suburbs of Bangkok.

In addition to his normal teaching duties, Mr Payne developed and implemented a teacher training programme and teacher recruitment programme.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at the Chippenham Sports Club, Hardenhuish Park in Bristol Road on September 3 at 5pm.

Family flowers only, but donations in Mr Payne’s memory can be made to Springboard Opportunity Playgroup, Chippenham c/o Jones Funeral Directors.