THE family of a former North-East student missing in Thailand have launched an international appeal to find him.

Hartlepool-born Thomas Armstrong, 22, flew out last April for a gap year on the island of Koh Tao, where he took a dive master course.

During his time there Mr Armstrong, who spent two years on a Btec engineering course at New College Durham, in Durham City, kept in contact with his family in Suffolk by e-mail and Facebook.

He last made contact on Sunday, January 6 when he said he would be flying home on the Tuesday.

He did not board his flight and has not been heard from since.

It is believed that he is still in Thailand, possibly in the capital, Bangkok , where cash has been withdrawn from his bank account in the last few weeks.

His family and Suffolk police are growing increasingly concerned about his welfare and are urging anyone with information to get in touch.

Mr Armstrong’s mother, Helen Armstrong-Bland, said her son had said he was in some kind of trouble but did not elaborate. “Tom is a kind, considerate, sensitive person, who often puts others needs before his own. “He loves the outdoors, nature and in particular water sports and ocean life.

"Tom was seeking a career in the Navy when he broke his leg and had to postpone his application.

“After recovery he felt it was a golden opportunity to pursue his love of the ocean and diving by taking a dive master course on the Island of Koh Tao, Thailand.

“We just want to receive any information that would tell us that Tom is alive and well.

“We desperately want him home as we are all missing him terribly, especially his brothers Luke, George and his little sister Bella who Tom adores.

“If Tom is reading this appeal now, I would urge him to get in touch with us or with police and let us know that he is ok.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Luckett said the Suffolk force was working closely with Mr Armstrong’s family and the Thai authorities.

Tom is 6ft 2ins, of medium build with fair, slightly wavy medium length hair and sometimes has a short beard, which is more red than fair .

Anyone with information should call Suffolk Police on 101 of contact the Facebook page Missing Tom Armstrong.