PHUKET: An Australian tourist reported missing by his brother to Patong police turned up safe and well within 24 hours.

Precisely where Luke Bryant, 32, went and what he did from Sunday to Monday was not clearly explained but brother Travis reported him missing.

The pair had been drinking in a bar earlier and one brother failed to make it back to the room at their Patong resort.

''Missing'' brother Luke turned up soon after his disappearance was reported to police.

Whether the brothers made it onto their scheduled flight home yesterday is not clear, but Patong police were glad the pair were safely reunited.

Australians on Phuket tend to lose themselves quite often, local police volunteers report.

At this time of the year, there are two great Australian invasions - the teams from rugby and Australian rules codes who come on end of season trips, and the ''schoolies.''

Phuket appears to have survived the worst excesses of the football trips this year.

The ''schoolies'' is a rites of passage adventure for teenagers as they complete high school and party with their peers.

Australia's Gold Coast and Bali are popular destinations, but Phuket also sees plenty of 17 and 18-year-olds bent on having a good time.

The Department of Foreign Affairs advice to the youngters is:

..Drink responsibly.

..Look after your mates.

..Don't break the law.

..Don't carry or consume drugs.

..Don't go swimming when drunk or stoned.

..Take out travel insurance.

But, the ''schoolies'' are being told, if you do get into strife overseas, Australian diplomats can't get you out of jail, provide an emergency loan or sort out visas.

There is even less help to be found on Phuket this year with the departure of honorary consul Larry Cunningham and the search for his replacement continuing.

''Remember that when you leave Australia, you leave behind the support systems, emergency services and medical facilities we all take for granted at home,'' the Australian Government says on a new ''schoolies'' page on its smartraveller website.