Upset over Carradine body photo

David Carradine was 72 when he died

The family of Kill Bill star David Carradine has said it is "profoundly disturbed" after images of the actor's body were printed in a Thai newspaper.

The leaked pictures, which Thai police said are probably forensic photos, reportedly show the actor's body in the Thai hotel room where he died.

His half-brother, actor Keith Carradine, threatened legal action against any "invasions of privacy".

He has also called on the FBI to intervene in the investigation.

David Carradine's body was discovered in a Bangkok hotel room last Thursday, with Thai police saying he was found naked in a wardrobe with a cord around his neck.

While Thai police have suggested suicide, his family believe there are suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Floral tributes have been placed on Carradine's walk of fame star in LA

Keith Carradine's lawyer, Mark Geragos, said an independent pathologist would examine the body when it arrived back in the US.

Results of the autopsy in Thailand are not expected for at least three weeks.

Mr Geragos said the family had contacted the FBI because "all we really know is not much more than what the public knows, and that's disturbing".

The FBI confirmed that it was in touch with Thai authorities to see if they wanted assistance on the case, but said the agency usually only became involved in overseas investigations if a crime had been committed.

Thai police have indicated they believe Carradine took his own life, but those close to the actor say he would not have done so.

Col Somprasong Yenthuam, leading the investigation, said interviews with hotel staff and surveillance footage suggested no-one else was with Carradine when he died.

Carradine was part of an acting dynasty which included his father, John Carradine, and brothers Bruce, Keith and Robert.

The star was best known for his role as Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970s TV series Kung Fu, which spawned sequels in the '80s and '90s.