A 47 year old machine operator from Pontypridd, South Wales was found dead in his hotel room in Thailand, leaving family and friends devastated.

 

Simon Brown, known as Browny, was discovered lifeless last Saturday, and an investigation into his untimely death is underway. Loved ones describe their state as one of total shock and sadness, as there were no prior indications of ill health. A close friend, Mark Davies, expressed the disbelief shared by many.

 

“It’s just a total shock, it was so unexpected. He wasn’t ill. There was nothing wrong with him. Everyone knew him. He was a crazy bloke – really outgoing and always up for a laugh.”

 

The Welshman was a well-known figure in Trallwn, celebrated for his zest for life and frequent travels to Thailand, a country he adored. His family is now facing the daunting task of repatriating his body, a process that is both lengthy and expensive. They have launched a fundraising appeal to raise £10,000 (approximately 460,000 baht), with over £2,000 already contributed.

 

Davies elaborated on Simon’s life, highlighting his hard-working nature and passion for travel.

 

“He was a hard worker as a machine operator and when he wasn’t working he was always on holiday. In particular, he loved going to Thailand. We don’t know anything at the moment as to the circumstances around it. It only happened on Saturday so we know very little.

 

“We are asking all those who knew and loved Browny to help us bring him back home. As a family, we are now trying to bring Simon back home so that we can lay him to rest at his home in Swansea. Thanks to all those who have reached out and sent messages of condolence, and we appreciate any help you can give.”

 

The GoFundMe campaign, created on Wednesday, has seen an outpouring of support, with nearly 50 donations, including one generous contribution of £500, reported Mirror UK.

 

The Thai authorities have yet to disclose the cause of death or where he was in Thailand when he died.

 

Photo courtesy of Simon Browny Brown GoFundMe page

 

 

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-17

 

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16 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

The Thai authorities have yet to disclose the cause of death or where he was in Thailand when he died

 

why wouldn't they mention where he passed away or what the cause may have been ?      

 

 

14 minutes ago, steven100 said:

 

why wouldn't they mention where he passed away or what the cause may have been ?      

 

 

The article says he dies in his hotel room and as for cause, it’s too soon to have the results from the autopsy

The usual begging on GFM, have families no shame these days?

Edited May 17, 20242 yr by proton

13 minutes ago, proton said:

The usual begging on GFM, have families no shame these days?

None!

RIP to Simon Brown.

 

The guy worked all his life, has many friends, etc. But can't get back home without a fundraise? I don't mind Go Fund Me but it should really be reserved for those with no alternatives.

16 minutes ago, JoePai said:

The article says he dies in his hotel room and as for cause, it’s too soon to have the results from the autopsy

 

yes,  but it doesn't say in Bangkok, Phuket or where ....  it also mentions he wasn't ill or sick at all and there was nothing wrong with him,  many questions unanswered .....   

18 minutes ago, proton said:

The usual begging on GFM, have families no shame these days?

 

4 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

None!

I have no problem with GFM repatriations, but in this case the guy is dead.  Fly out to Thailand, have him cremated, and and spread the ashes in a river or sea.
10K quid to repatriate a corpse.  I'd give that GFM a pass as it's not a matter of life or death as "death" has already won.  There are inexpensive ways to handle this.

20 minutes ago, proton said:

The usual begging on GFM, have families no shame these days?

 

 

RIP and condolences to the family and friends.

 

Regarding the Go-Fund-Me...  I understand that there are cultural and religious differences... But, I don't quite get the logic behind transporting a dead body from Thailand to the UK at huge expense...    

 

... Would it not be easier to have a cremation in Thailand and a Memorial service in the UK.

His ashes could be transported back in due course - either hand carried or posted.

 

For someone who lived a long time in Thailand, I've heard of people 'splitting the ashes'....    so that some remain in Thailand and some is returned to the UK...  some form of comfort if the deceased had loved ones in both nations. 

 

 

Total waste of money if you ask me, a quick trip down the temple 40,000 all done and dusted on the next flight back

12 minutes ago, steven100 said:

 

yes,  but it doesn't say in Bangkok, Phuket or where ....  it also mentions he wasn't ill or sick at all and there was nothing wrong with him,  many questions unanswered .....   

 

   That was just the opinion of one of his friends, it wasn't a medical opinion 

11 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

 

RIP and condolences to the family and friends.

 

Regarding the Go-Fund-Me...  I understand that there are cultural and religious differences... But, I don't quite get the logic behind transporting a dead body from Thailand to the UK at huge expense...    

 

... Would it not be easier to have a cremation in Thailand and a Memorial service in the UK.

His ashes could be transported back in due course - either hand carried or posted.

 

For someone who lived a long time in Thailand, I've heard of people 'splitting the ashes'....    so that some remain in Thailand and some is returned to the UK...  some form of comfort if the deceased had loved ones in both nations. 

 

 

I agree...far better to cremate and send the remains back...unless there are some religious or cultural reasons not to.

I always roll my eyes when it comes to repatriating corpses.

 

I work for United Airlines/Delta Airlines in Rapid City.

During and after the Sturgis motorcycle rally we'll ship out 10 to 15 during the two weeks of the rally. We call it the 'Rally Tally'

 

I've always wondered why folks don't fly here get their loved ones cremated and fly home with an urn

 

And btw they are a pain in the ass to process and load onto aircraft. For anyone contemplating this, we load them head forward, to stop embalming fluid concentrating in their head!

 

Edited May 17, 20242 yr by GinBoy2

if there was nothing wrong with him as indicated by his friends I hope nothing is amiss or induced. 

2 minutes ago, steven100 said:

if there was nothing wrong with him as indicated by his friends I hope nothing is amiss or induced. 

 

   I doubt whether any of his friends had given him a professional medical check-up recently 

1 hour ago, steven100 said:

 

why wouldn't they mention where he passed away or what the cause may have been ?      

 

 

Because he was an "outgoing person". He died in his hotel bed. Probably after a heart attack. If I should guess he wasn't alone. Maybe an overdose of blue pills.

RIP

6 minutes ago, Carlotta said:

Because he was an "outgoing person". He died in his hotel bed. Probably after a heart attack. If I should guess he wasn't alone. Maybe an overdose of blue pills.

RIP

Does the average, healthy 47 year old male need to use the blue pills?

10 minutes ago, Carlotta said:

Because he was an "outgoing person". He died in his hotel bed. Probably after a heart attack. If I should guess he wasn't alone. Maybe an overdose of blue pills.

RIP

oh dear '   that explains it then.

14 minutes ago, Carlotta said:

Because he was an "outgoing person". He died in his hotel bed. Probably after a heart attack. If I should guess he wasn't alone. Maybe an overdose of blue pills.

RIP

Wow,a lot of assumptions here. 

5 minutes ago, theshu25 said:

Wow,a lot of assumptions here. 

Disrespectful and pointless speculation. 

43 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   I doubt whether any of his friends had given him a professional medical check-up recently 

 

Exactly

Could have undiagnosed heart disease or any number of unknown issues

31 minutes ago, Carlotta said:

Because he was an "outgoing person". He died in his hotel bed. Probably after a heart attack. If I should guess he wasn't alone. Maybe an overdose of blue pills.

RIP

 

   Could be that he got a drink spiked ?

20 minutes ago, Dmaxdan said:

Does the average, healthy 47 year old male need to use the blue pills?

 

Yep and I get repeatedly disbelieved at 64 that I have never taken one in my life simply because Percy still works normally when the need arises lol

You know my sisters live a pretty nice life in the US. Big house, cars, etc.  And I know for a fact they would not have the money to get me back if I died.  Not a dime between them. But, drive a new car, home all.  Hence GFM.  Sounds like the situation is the same in England.

Edited May 17, 20242 yr by Gknrd

Hard working but no health insurance or enough to repatriate. Go Fund Me 

 

TBH, I never had, but would never have  needed.

 

Don't waste the money, BBQ and leave in Thailand.

 

 

Edited May 17, 20242 yr by KhunLA

12 minutes ago, Chivas said:

 

Yep and I get repeatedly disbelieved at 64 that I have never taken one in my life simply because Percy still works normally when the need arises lol

How well do you think 64 yo Percy would work with a horny 20 yo?

 

I don't want my body repatriated. Keep it simple, cremate me here.

Edited May 17, 20242 yr by Lacessit

To be fair, it might not have been his expressed wish to be buried in Wales. Could be his familiy who've now decided they want to do this?

1 hour ago, steven100 said:

 

yes,  but it doesn't say in Bangkok, Phuket or where ....  it also mentions he wasn't ill or sick at all and there was nothing wrong with him,  many questions unanswered .....   

Isn't that normal for the usual p1ss poor reporting, but don't fret too much as it will come in as suicide. 

7 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

You know my sisters live a pretty nice life in the US. Big house, cars, etc.  And I know for a fact they would not have the money to get me back if I died.  Not a dime between them. But, drive a new car, home all.  Hence GFM.  Sounds like the situation is the same in England.

 

   Couldn't they sell some possessions ?

How do they live a nice life with no money to spare ?

2 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Couldn't they sell some possessions ?

How do they live a nice life with no money to spare ?

Why, when they can get someone else to pay for it.