Shane Warne's body has been moved from the Thai vacation island of Koh Samui to the Thai mainland.

Warne, 52, was discovered dead in a Koh Samui home late on Friday, and despite the family's plea for a prompt return of his corpse to Australia, a post-mortem is expected to be undertaken in Thailand.

Yutthana Sirisombat, Bophut Police Chief in Koh Samui, stated before the examination: "There is no sign of foul play based on witness interviews and scene evidence.

"According to his acquaintances, Warne had complained of chest pain while in Australia.

"But to be diligent in completing our case we must do this (autopsy) to find the facts."

Warne has died of a heart attack on Koh Samui the day after arriving for a vacation.

James Erskine, his long-time manager, stated: "We blocked three months off his calendar, so this was the second day of the three months, and he wanted to travel to Thailand and just rest, take a break.

"And then they were all supposed to meet at five o'clock for a drink, and Warnie is always on time. Then, Neo (Andrew Neophitou) knocked on his door at quarter to five and received no response. Thus, he entered, calling out, 'come on, Warnie, wake up, wake up.

"And then they realised that there was something wrong and that's when they started a 20-minute procedure of CPR, mouth to mouth etc... he was then put in an ambulance and then when he got to the hospital, he was pronounced dead."

Mr. Erskine stated that the cricket legend's abrupt death has "shattered" his family.

As he stated: "To be honest, I believe the three children are completely taken aback. They appear to be. I spoke with them again yesterday, and I believe they, you know. 'We expect him to stroll in the door,' Jackson (Warne's son) just stated. This is comparable to a nasty dream'.

"And I chatted with Simone (Warne's ten-year wife until their 2005 divorce), who was visibly distressed.

"Keith, Shane's father, is a pretty strong individual, but like everybody, he's just shattered, they can't believe what's happened, and I think that's what happens when you have a sudden death and you're not expecting it."

Warne, credited with resurrecting the technique of leg-spin, made his test debut against India in 1992, launching a 15-year international career.

He was named one of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack's five finest cricketers of the twentieth century, but the cunning spinner's hard life frequently made tabloid headlines as well.