Angus Elder - who would have turned 21 on Wednesday - died in a motorbike crash on the small island of Koh Tao, 400 kilometres south of Bangkok, on Monday morning.

The former Scots School student had been working in the country as a diving instructor, with his passing devastating those on the island and on the Border.

Scots acting head of senior school Alison Mitchell said he had been a gentle and friendly student, who was doing what he loved when he died.

Mr Elder became interested in diving though school and went travelling after finishing Year 12.

"He went to Thailand and fell in love with the place," she said.

"He got all his scuba diving levels, came back for a little bit and thought about uni, but decided that wasn't where he wanted to be.

"He was doing what he loved, he ticked a few things on his bucket list.

"He was a much loved young man and he will be dearly missed."

IN OTHER NEWS:

His friends have been sleeping on the floor of the church where his coffin rests.

Mr Elder told his mother, Amanda, during a Christmas visit that he wanted to be cremated and his ashes scattered at sea.

Mr Elder had attended Scots for his entire schooling, with his older brothers William and Thomas also attending.

He was keen on sport, including football and basketball.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said consular assistance was being provided to the family, who are trying to make travel arrangements to the country.

The situation is being hampered by COVID-19 restrictions.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for Shark Guardian at the request of Mr Elder's mother.

"Everyone in the school community is thinking of him and his family," Ms Mitchell said.

"It's very sad.

"He was so young."