Family Rush to Rescue British Man With Mystery Illness in Thailand

[sabai-dee-man]

3 hours ago, MicroB said:

But you can't take out a new UK travel insurance policy if already on holiday.

 

 

Yes, you can. But it's more expensive. I've done it for my last 3 trips, which I've extended by 2 or 3 months each. There are a handful of specialist companies that will provide cover, typically for digital nomads and the like.

[richard_smith237]

12 hours ago, Rickman66 said:

Don't know what all you prickd are against go fund me to save a human life but I do hope you are in need some day and all the people on this chat say fork you!

 

Its quite likely the bitter twisted old boomers 'saying deserves it' and 'fork you'... have very few friends anyway... 

... certainly their online persona would suggest character traits which make them wholly unlikeable as an acquaintance or a friend.... 

 

So... they have few options....   

- bury their head in the sand and pass sanctimonious judgement. 

- Make sure they have their own full cover for such circumstances.

- Ensure they have insurance (which becomes more difficult as they get older).

 

 

I strongly believe there 'should' be an option for long termers here (i.e. those on non-Imm visas and those with families) to buy into the Thai Health Care system.

... and all others (such as tourists, visa exempt arrivals etc) pay a nominal 'visitor health care fee' on arrival (as previously floated - at about 300 baht at the last figures I saw thrown around).

 

 

[Ralf001]

3 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I strongly believe there 'should' be an option for long termers here (i.e. those on non-Imm visas and those with families) to buy into the Thai Health Care system.

 

 

 

 

Majority of long termers would be an older demographic and will potentially require a lot of expensive health care at some stage.

The government would have to be crazy to expose the SSF to that kind of risk.

[Merrill]

On 2/19/2025 at 4:57 AM, proton said:

Christ, three thousand pounds a day for a bed in a hospital where they don't know what your illness is seems a bit steep.

 Very strange it seems they are milking the cow at the hospital. 

[Nick Carter icp]

58 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Majority of long termers would be an older demographic and will potentially require a lot of expensive health care at some stage.

The government would have to be crazy to expose the SSF to that kind of risk.

 

   Could be an idea to require retirees to pay a 10 000 Baht a year towards the Thai health system and then allow those retirees to use the Thai Health system ?

   With the 10 000 Baht going directly to the THS

[Nick Carter icp]

23 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

I absolutely agree.

The family should ask for a bank loan or borrow somewhere but not bothering other people with the stupidity of this guy.

 

   He has six adult Children . 

if they all chip in  5000 Pounds each  , that should be enough to get him evacuated to the UK 

[newbee2022]

13 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   He has six adult Children . 

if they all chip in  5000 Pounds each  , that should be enough to get him evacuated to the UK 

Thank you❗

[Watawattana]

On 2/19/2025 at 12:57 PM, proton said:

Christ, three thousand pounds a day for a bed in a hospital where they don't know what your illness is seems a bit steep.

Exactly.  I wonder if there's an element of not wanting to find and treat the issue effectively when so much money is being made.

 

Far fetched?  No.  Exactly the same thing has happened to me.  Twice in the last 18 months.  Nothing as serious as this guy, but an absolute deliberate effort not to diagnose the root cause of a condition to try to extend treatments that were not working, all for a profit.

[pomchop]

I do not know the answer to this question....maybe someone does?

 

Are there any checks by anyone to verify that the story is true before a go fund me thing is shown on this and other sites?  For example does anyone actually verify someone is in a hospital and what the bill is and how long there etc?

 

Sure seems to me that would be required to prevent scams/fraud etc.  But if it is done who does it who pays them to do it and who do they actually verify it to? Does this and other web sites require some verification before running the story along with the go fund me link?

 

Not accusing anyone of anything but I think everyone knows there are no shortage of scammers who can easily come up with a bunch of pics and a sob story that could look very convincing?

 

Anyone know for sure how this is all sorted etc?

[Silencer]

Hospital charges seem fine. No one commenting they are excessive have ever been on a ventilator 24x7 and under sedation at a private hospital in Thailand. You have any idea what kind of monitoring would be necessary in that condition? You don't just turn the machine on, inject a drip, and walk away until the next drip refill is needed. Might be cheaper in a government hospital though, that is your choice.

 

GoFundMe's are ok, even the stupid ones, doing stupid things, never even thinking about insurance or consequences (not saying that is the case here). It's up to you if you want to give or not but why whine about people using a legal method to plead for money. Seems to work for many (and not for many more) and also scams aplenty.  Donator beware.

 

 

[Silencer]

11 minutes ago, pomchop said:

Are there any checks by anyone to verify that the story is true before a go fund me thing is shown on this and other sites?  For example does anyone actually verify someone is in a hospital and what the bill is and how long there etc?

 

No real verification process is used. Ask for name, issue, relationship to person, how money will be used and directed to person. So, it is all up to you to believe the story and person posting it or not. Plenty of scams on Gofundme.

 

[newnative]

I wonder just what the hospital s doing for its 3000 pounds a day--other than not curing him.

[steve187]

9 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

 

It is also possible to buy travel insurance whilst already travelling. I did that during Covid times to ensure coverage. 

 

'big cat' insurance is one but there are others

[kwilco]

On 2/19/2025 at 4:21 AM, webfact said:

Picture courtesy: Daily Mail UK

 

In a race against time, the family of British man Raymond Wallace is working tirelessly to bring him back from Thailand, where he has been hospitalised with an enigmatic illness. The situation began with a surprising early-morning call from a Thai hospital, leaving his family alarmed and fearing they had been duped by scammers until the harrowing reality sank in.

 

Wallace, a 72-year-old retired lorry driver from Sidmouth, Devon, embarked on a brief journey to Thailand. The visit took a drastic turn on Valentine’s Day when he experienced severe breathing difficulties and checked himself into a hospital in Hua Hin. His condition rapidly deteriorated, resulting in sedation and a ventilator, as doctors urgently sought to identify his ailment.

 

Initially diagnosed with pneumonia, his condition was later revised to acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, conflicting information from the British Embassy suggested potential kidney issues, leaving the family struggling for clarity on Wallace’s true condition.

 

With his travel insurance having lapsed before his hospitalisation, the family now faces escalating hospital costs of around £3,000 (approximately 127,500 THB) per day. This financial burden prompted them to launch a GoFundMe campaign in an effort to offset the mounting expenses.

 

Doctors have warned the family that if Wallace's condition doesn't improve soon, he might need to be transferred to a more specialised hospital in Bangkok.

 

Picture of Bangkok Hua Hin hospital courtesy: Daily Mail UK

His daughter Karrie, along with her brother, are now preparing to fly out to Thailand, eager to understand his situation more fully. Karrie's background in healthcare has only added to her anxiety, as she handles the frustration of not having clearer answers about her father's health.

 

Wallace's journey, originally meant to be a period of reflection and healing after losing his partner Jane to a brain tumour, commenced in Goa—a place of fond memories for him and Jane. However, an unexpected opportunity led him to Thailand, a change unbeknownst to his family until he casually mentioned it in a message.

 

Now, as Wallace remains in critical but stable condition, his family's relentless efforts reflect their dedication and love as they navigate this challenging chapter. They've been working together remotely, communicating constantly via WhatsApp to coordinate their efforts.

 

“We're trying everything we can,” Karrie shared, highlighting the family's proactive approach in coordinating resources and tackling challenges head-on.

 

Although initially hesitant, the family decided to make their plea public with the GoFundMe campaign due to the escalating costs. At this juncture, the journey to bring Wallace back remains uncertain, yet their resolve remains undeterred. Driven by familial bonds and a fervent hope for Wallace's recovery, they continue to explore every avenue to return him safely to England, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-02-19

 

 

The ethics at play here are relevant.

He doesn't have I surance and this may be affecting his treatment.

The lack of I surnce is of concern but so is the lack of diagnosis.

[Ralf001]

2 hours ago, Silencer said:

Hospital charges seem fine. No one commenting they are excessive have ever been on a ventilator 24x7 and under sedation at a private hospital in Thailand. You have any idea what kind of monitoring would be necessary in that condition? You don't just turn the machine on, inject a drip, and walk away until the next drip refill is needed. Might be cheaper in a government hospital though, that is your choice.

 

 

 

 

 

Exactly, I was in this exact same position, heavily sedated in ICU on a ventilator... the cost was basically the same.

 

due to my private health deciding to not cover, my bill at that hospital (affiliate of Bangkok Pattaya) was paid out and I was moved to another hospital (private) that was covered by my social security...  the final bill that was paid was of similar cost per night in ICU there.

[pomchop]

3 hours ago, pomchop said:

I do not know the answer to this question....maybe someone does?

 

Are there any checks by anyone to verify that the story is true before a go fund me thing is shown on this and other sites?  For example does anyone actually verify someone is in a hospital and what the bill is and how long there etc?

 

Sure seems to me that would be required to prevent scams/fraud etc.  But if it is done who does it who pays them to do it and who do they actually verify it to? Does this and other web sites require some verification before running the story along with the go fund me link?

 

Not accusing anyone of anything but I think everyone knows there are no shortage of scammers who can easily come up with a bunch of pics and a sob story that could look very convincing?

 

Anyone know for sure how this is all sorted etc?

ok here is what google says...they also say that gofund me takes about 3% of donations to support go fund me..it does not seem to say that they also verify that the charges from a hospital etc are correct...anyway...at least they do apparently at least attempt to keep fraud down which seems to me could be a massive job with so many easy money scammers around....

 

Yes, GoFundMe does take steps to verify that fundraisers are not scams, including reviewing each campaign, checking the organizer's identity and relationship to the beneficiary, and holding funds until the recipient's information is verified; however, they do not guarantee that every fundraiser is legitimate, and encourage users to carefully review details before donating. 

 

Key points about GoFundMe verification:

• Trust and Safety Team:

  GoFundMe has a dedicated team that reviews campaigns to identify potential fraudulent activity. 

   
• Verification guidelines:

  Fundraisers are encouraged to provide detailed information about themselves, the beneficiary, and how funds will be used. 

   
• Beneficiary verification:

  When funds are raised for someone other than the organizer, GoFundMe verifies the recipient's identity before releasing the money. 

   
• "GoFundMe Guarantee":

  In cases where a campaign is found to be fraudulent, GoFundMe may offer a refund to donors. 

[anterian]

On 2/19/2025 at 11:57 AM, proton said:

Christ, three thousand pounds a day for a bed in a hospital where they don't know what your illness is seems a bit steep.

i have been hospitalised in two private hospitals in Bangkok, the last time 6 months ago. I think someone is confusing Bahts with Pounds, 3000 Baht was about what I paid, medication and MRA scan extra.

[proton]

1 hour ago, anterian said:

i have been hospitalised in two private hospitals in Bangkok, the last time 6 months ago. I think someone is confusing Bahts with Pounds, 3000 Baht was about what I paid, medication and MRA scan extra.

 

ICU is not 3000 baht a day

[ChipButty]

14 hours ago, pomchop said:

ok here is what google says...they also say that gofund me takes about 3% of donations to support go fund me..it does not seem to say that they also verify that the charges from a hospital etc are correct...anyway...at least they do apparently at least attempt to keep fraud down which seems to me could be a massive job with so many easy money scammers around....

 

Yes, GoFundMe does take steps to verify that fundraisers are not scams, including reviewing each campaign, checking the organizer's identity and relationship to the beneficiary, and holding funds until the recipient's information is verified; however, they do not guarantee that every fundraiser is legitimate, and encourage users to carefully review details before donating. 

 

Key points about GoFundMe verification:

• Trust and Safety Team:

  GoFundMe has a dedicated team that reviews campaigns to identify potential fraudulent activity. 

   
• Verification guidelines:

  Fundraisers are encouraged to provide detailed information about themselves, the beneficiary, and how funds will be used. 

   
• Beneficiary verification:

  When funds are raised for someone other than the organizer, GoFundMe verifies the recipient's identity before releasing the money. 

   
• "GoFundMe Guarantee":

  In cases where a campaign is found to be fraudulent, GoFundMe may offer a refund to donors. 

All for 15% commission of coarse 

[Dcheech]

Insurance? Right, That's the ticket.

[Upnotover]

Well I hope he's better now cause his GFM seems to have stalled at £2,735.  Didn't even make enough for 1 day in the hospital.

[ChipButty]

11 hours ago, proton said:

 

ICU is not 3000 baht a day

A room in the government hospital here in Phuket is 3000 baht per day, 

[ChipButty]

The news has not hit here just yet but thee is a English woman stranded here also with huge medical bills, 

[The Fugitive]

44 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

A room in the government hospital here in Phuket is 3000 baht per day,

Thanks for that. My Thai wife spent three nights in Khon Kaen Regional Government Hospital in October. Cost of a private room was 1,000 baht per day. Same amount as she paid seven years ago. Thai price of course.

[norfolkandchance]

3 hours ago, The Fugitive said:

Thanks for that. My Thai wife spent three nights in Khon Kaen Regional Government Hospital in October. Cost of a private room was 1,000 baht per day. Same amount as she paid seven years ago. Thai price of course.

I spend a week in a Government hospital last year with food poisoning. I first elected to stay in a private room B1000. Terrible first night with no care and a long wait for nurses attention. Next day I asked for a General Ward  where there where nurses and doctors in attendance .Total bill was B13000 which I claimed off my insurance.

[The Fugitive]

4 minutes ago, norfolkandchance said:

I spend a week in a Government hospital last year with food poisoning. I first elected to stay in a private room B1000. Terrible first night with no care and a long wait for nurses attention. Next day I asked for a General Ward  where there where nurses and doctors in attendance .Total bill was B13000 which I claimed off my insurance.

Glad you got sorted and, for a bargain price too! My wife had two friends who stayed with her in the private room. She was in for breast cancer surgery.

[Sheryl]

 

 

Room rates are usually just a tiny portion of total costs.  Room rate is literally just the  room and includes none of the treatment. 

 

ICU room rates are much higher than regular rooms.

 

In the case of this man  he is in an ICU and on a ventilator. Even at a government hospital that is quite costly.

 

The various other experiences discussed above do not in any way compare to his situation. 

 

 

 

4 hours ago, ChipButty said:

A room in the government hospital here in Phuket is 3000 baht per day, 

 

[Liverpool Lou]

On 2/19/2025 at 11:50 AM, Scottie12 said:

His own fault for trying to to scrimp on his insurance policy,I would not contribute a penny to any GoFundMe appeal when it's the persons own fault.

No one is asking you to.

[Liverpool Lou]

On 2/19/2025 at 11:57 AM, proton said:

Christ, three thousand pounds a day for a bed in a hospital where they don't know what your illness is seems a bit steep.

Christ...the quoted figure was not just for a bed.

[Liverpool Lou]

On 2/19/2025 at 12:05 PM, Toby1947 said:

 I feel a Go Fund Me coming on 😡

So sharp.   Didn't you read the OP?