Young Aussie golfer dies after brain haemorrhage in Bangkok

Australian teenage golfer Jessica Bang has died after suffering a sudden brain haemorrhage while preparing for an international tournament in Bangkok this month.

The WPGA Tour of Australasia announced on Thursday evening, 13 August 2026, that the 18-year-old had been unable to recover from the condition. Bang had been on life support at Bangkok's Synphat Ramintra Hospital after being rushed there and undergoing emergency brain surgery.

Golf community mourns young professional

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the WPGA Tour of Australasia and the broader Australian golf community are with Jessica's family, friends and all those who knew and loved her at this incredibly difficult time," the WPGA Tour of Australasia said in a statement.

Known as Rookie Bang, she had made a rapid impression after turning professional in November 2025.

Earlier this year, she claimed her first victory at the 2026 Ford Women's NSW Open Regional Qualifying. It was only her fifth professional start.

At the Ford NSW Regional Championship in the Southern Highlands in February, Bang shot an eight-under-par 65 in the final round, setting a course record and winning by five shots. Her mother was her caddie for the event.

Golf NSW described her at the time as "something special".

"I'm so happy, I can't even put it into words," Bang said after that win.

Insurance and emergency care in Thailand

Bang's case underlines the importance for foreign visitors, athletes and long-stay residents of checking their health and travel insurance before arriving in Thailand.

Emergency treatment at private hospitals can be costly, while an overseas medical evacuation may require a specially equipped aircraft and medical team. Cover can also depend on the traveller's nationality, residency status, length of stay and the activities they are undertaking.

Bang was born in South Korea and became an Australian citizen when she turned 18. Her uncle, Jacob Kang, said the citizenship choice had complicated her Korean residency status and travel-insurance arrangements.

"She chose Australian citizenship, which unfortunately made her Korean residency/status and travel insurance situation quite complicated," he said. "As a result, her medical treatment and related expenses have become a huge financial burden for the family."

A fundraiser set up by Bang's cousins said donations would go towards "her overwhelming medical bills and repatriation back home".

Pictures courtesy of Daily Mail

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14 August 2026