Peter Heppell: Perth father allegedly stabbed to death while celebrating 57th birthday in Thailand

An Australian restaurateur is being mourned by loved ones after he was allegedly stabbed to death while celebrating his 57th birthday in Thailand. 

Peter Heppell was allegedly attacked at his restaurant, Melina’s Monkey House and Whale Bar in Krabi, southern Thailand, on Sunday. 

The father and businessman from Perth was allegedly knifed after being confronted by the husband of a former employee over a pay dispute. 

A 24-year-old Thai man is now in police custody after being arrested.

Police tape restricted the public from entering the beachfront bar and restaurant as officers combed the scene for clues earlier this week. 

Police tape restricted the public from entering the beachfront bar and restaurant (pictured) as officers combed the scene for clues earlier this week 

Mr Heppell tragically lost his six-month-old daughter in the Boxing Day tsunami almost twenty years ago in December, 2004. 

Waves up to 30metres high hit countries surrounding the coast of the Indian Ocean after a 9.1 magnitude earthquake displaced the ocean floor. 

The tsunami, considered one of the worst in history, killed almost 230,000 people in 14 countries like India, Thailand and Sri Lanka in the space of a few hours. 

Mr Heppell’s sister said her beloved brother had been reunited with his baby girl in an emotional Facebook post on Tuesday. 

‘We are devastated to post that Peter’s life was taken suddenly and violently on his 57th birthday in Krabi Thailand,’ Karen Bormolini wrote. 

‘Peter will be remembered as a larger than life character, who walked to the beat of his own drum and lived life to the fullest.

‘He survived motor bike accidents and miraculously the Boxing Day Tsunami! Peter loved his daughter Aly, the ocean, beer, footy and Thailand.

‘The family is so grateful that we were able to spend time with him recently.’

The father and businessman was allegedly stabbed with a knife (pictured) after being confronted by the husband of a former employee over a pay dispute

Mr Heppell (pictured) lost his six-month-old daughter in the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004

Mr Heppell’s sister, Karen Bormolini, said her brother had been reunited with the daughter he tragically lost in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami

North Beach Football Club, where Mr Heppell was an A Grade Premiership player, said the club was saddened to hear of his passing. 

The talented sportsman scored over 70 goals for the club from 1985-1990. 

‘A larger than life character on and off the field,’ the post read. 

‘Condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace.’