An Australian backpacker has been found dead following a mystery fall from his hotel room on a Thai island.

Billy James Simmons, 22, had arrived in Phuket with several friends earlier this month before partying in the notorious red light district Patong Beach.

He was due to return to Australia on May 28 but was found dead lying face down on a footpath below his 11th floor balcony room at the Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa on Tuesday night, May 17.

Shocked security guard Wongthatsatham Santi discovered Billy's lifeless body before calling paramedics but they were unable to revive him.

Police arrived at the scene shortly afte to investigate. They said they found a half-empty bottle of Whisky in Billy's room.

Local massage girls working at a shop next to the hotel said they recognised Billy because he walked past them every day and was 'often drunk'.

Masseuse, Khun Wan, said: 'I often saw him both in the morning and in the evening and he always looks like he was drunk. It's a shock that he has died.'

Police Lieutenant General Salid said officers believe that Billy had been staying alone in his hotel room on the night he died. They believe he was drunk and plunged from the balcony.

The policeman added: 'Initial investigations suggest that the tourist had been drinking alcohol before he fell and died. We are also interviewing his friends to find out if there are any other reasons involved.'

Officers said that the Australian Embassy had been informed of Billy's death. His father is believed to be flying out to the island to collect Billy's body so it can be repatriated to Austrlia.