Evicting a tenant who’s already left legally?

I’m hoping someone can help me. I originally contacted you in March when my tenant disappeared. I issued him a Section 21, which terminated in May.  The tenant is in Thailand, and he hasn’t replied to any of my messages or emails since January. He also hasn’t paid rent since December.  I’m using an eviction company to try and get my flat back, and we now have a court hearing at the end of November.

So far, everything has been regarding paperwork, the deposit, the prescribed information etc, which I feel is irrelevant. I am going to attend the court hearing along with this company, because I want to avoid any further delays in getting possession, as I’m not well. They’re also saying that even if I get a court possession, I still need the bailiffs? (when the tenant isn’t there and I have keys) and this could delay possession even more.

All my notifications were delivered to the flat directly and copied via email and WhatsApp. The problem is he never told me he was leaving and never returned the keys, so they say he is still in contract and could return at any time.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Michele