THE BODY of a Swedish woman whose death highlighted the problem of beggars from developed countries living in Thailand is to be cremated on Phuket tomorrow.

Gabriella Rose-Marie Strand, 60, was found dead in Patong on May 29. Since then, Swedish officials have mounted a search for her regular companion, Bjorn Lennart Lundqvist. Mr Lundqvist is believed to be in Thailand, but he has not been located and may not even be aware that Ms Strand has died.

Swedish officials have however managed to find Ms Strand's daughter, who asked for her mother's ashes to be sent back to Sweden.

Ms Strand and Mr Lundqvist, christened the ''Scamdinavians'' by Phuketwan, travelled backwards and forwards between Sweden and Thailand at least seven times in recent years, living off the generosity of Thais and other Swedes, begging meals and even medicines when required.

Consular officials say the problem is widespread among visitors from many countries. At least 80 Swedes visiting Thailand each year require economic assistance, and other nations experience similar requests.

While Thais who visit Europe are required to take out travel insurance, Europeans coming to Thailand are not required to do the same. It is believed Thai authorities fear such a policy would affect tourist numbers.

The German honorary consul on Phuket, Dirk Naumann, raised the issue at the meeting between envoys and leading Phuket authorities at Phuket Provinical Hall last month.