British Family Seeks Aid to Bring Injured Traveller Home from Thailand

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: SWNS
 

A British family is urgently seeking financial support to bring their loved one back home after a tragic motorcycle accident in Thailand. In a desperate bid, they aim to raise £100,000 to cover the costs of repatriation and medical expenses.

 

The heartbreaking scenario revolves around Okemena Sule, a 30-year-old British man who is currently in a coma after a devastating motorbike collision on Koh Samui, Thailand. The accident occurred on February 2 during what was meant to be an adventurous backpacking trip through Southeast Asia.

 

Eyewitnesses report that Sule's motorbike collided with a car, leaving him with a severe brain haemorrhage. Following emergency brain surgery, Sule remains in a comatose state.

 

Facing soaring costs totalling £144,000 (roughly 6.2 million baht) for Sule's medical repatriation to the UK, his family has turned to crowdfunding for help. Their GoFundMe campaign has thus far raised £35,745 (about 1.54 million baht), a promising beginning but still falling short as medical bills continue to mount.

Ibs Sule, 33 and Okemena’s elder brother, shared the family's plight and feelings of helplessness. "This is the hardest time of our lives. It’s been incredibly stressful. My parents and I came to Thailand as soon as we heard, and we've essentially relocated here."

 

The financial burden is immense, with the hospital bill already accruing to £70,000. The cheapest quote for repatriation stands at a staggering £144,000, which feels insurmountable amid this emotional turmoil.

 

A complicating factor is the uncertainty surrounding Okemena's travel insurance. Ibs Sule expressed frustration over the difficulties in accessing any pertinent information. "We don’t know whether or not he had travel insurance, and the companies make it impossible to find out."

 

The Sule family's appeal is heartfelt, resonating with many, as reported by Yahoo. They are overwhelmed by the support they've received so far. "The support, prayers, and kind messages mean the world to us. Time is running out, and any donation, no matter how small, will help keep Okemena alive and ensure he receives the urgent care he needs. If you cannot donate, please share this campaign with your friends and family."

 

To help the Sule family during this critical time, donations can be made on their GoFundMe page. Every contribution brings them one step closer to bringing Okemena home safely, reported The Thaiger.
 

-- 2025-02-28

 

 

[proton]

No insurance again, then does the ultimately stupid thing here of riding a bike, Russian roulette. Don't feel sorry for him at all, now the begging begins as usual.

[petedk]

Haven't I seen this headline a few times before?

[MikeandDow]

Wish i had shares in gofund me make a tidy profit !!

[happysoul]

So since the beginning of the year we had 36k then 24k and now 100k... Keep coming on !

 

I have a friend (real person, real experience) that got rapatriated in a hospitalized private jet (Embraer Phenom 300) from Thailand (local airport) to a local airport in EU. He paid.... 0.- (his insurance did). So, yes, it is possible to get rapatriated for free when <deleted> hits the fan but you need some work upfront.

 

[steve187]

£144,000 as opposed to a check £100 ish insurance policy, and on top of that riding a motorcycle on Koh Samui, death island for bike riders

[khunPer]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

A complicating factor is the uncertainty surrounding Okemena's travel insurance. Ibs Sule expressed frustration over the difficulties in accessing any pertinent information. "We don’t know whether or not he had travel insurance, and the companies make it impossible to find out."

Samui's traffic is among the most dangerous in Thailand – if not the most dangerous – many tourists have accidents, and it seems like insurance is a returning subject. I have stopped counting the number of dead victims I've seen in the streets, some days up to three bodies. In average I see one or two traffic accidents per week, and I'm not driving that much on the island.

 

If you head to Thailand as tourist, the most important part – after the ticket – is travel insurance. Make sure a relative at home get a copy of the policy, or at least the insurance number. Don't drive on a motorbike – even as pillion – before you know that your are covered by insurance.

[Ralf001]

27 minutes ago, steve187 said:

£144,000 as opposed to a check £100 ish insurance policy, and on top of that riding a motorcycle on Koh Samui, death island for bike riders

 

Unroadworthy bike.

shorts.

Crocs.

No t-shirt.

No helmet.

 

Even if he had insurance, they would refuse cover.

[Liverpool Lou]

2 hours ago, proton said:

No insurance again

Really?

[Liverpool Lou]

8 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Unroadworthy bike.

shorts.

Crocs.

No t-shirt.

No helmet.

 

Even if he had insurance, they would refuse cover.

Was he not wearing a helmet?   

 

Are you aware of any insurer that insists on trousers, shoes and collared shirt in addition to a helmet in order to not void a travel insurance policy claim for a motorbike accident, it so, which one?

[Captain Flack]

A troll post has been removed.

[soi3eddie]

From the pictures of the scene, it looks like the bike was a CRF250cc. Also, no sign of a helmet and not wearing a shirt - but did have a "man bag" still over his shoulder. A terrible case and situation. 

Family says they cannot find his passport or any insurance policy. Even with insurance bought in the UK, it is unlikely to cover bikes bigger than 125cc (nearly all the policies I've bought have this restriction). Even then, they stipulate must be wearling a helmet and have a licence for the bike. No mention of him being an experienced or licenced rider in any reporting on this. If not, then a recipe for disaster. Hope things improve for him.

 

[ChipButty]

57 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Unroadworthy bike.

shorts.

Crocs.

No t-shirt.

No helmet.

 

Even if he had insurance, they would refuse cover.

Riding a bike wearing a bikini, should be banned,

[ChipButty]

59 minutes ago, khunPer said:

Samui's traffic is among the most dangerous in Thailand – if not the most dangerous – many tourists have accidents, and it seems like insurance is a returning subject. I have stopped counting the number of dead victims I've seen in the streets, some days up to three bodies. In average I see one or two traffic accidents per week, and I'm not driving that much on the island.

 

If you head to Thailand as tourist, the most important part – after the ticket – is travel insurance. Make sure a relative at home get a copy of the policy, or at least the insurance number. Don't drive on a motorbike – even as pillion – before you know that your are covered by insurance.

I have only been twice to Samui, I never liked it on the roads, it seemed so narrow

[Harrisfan]

4 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

I have only been twice to Samui, I never liked it on the roads, it seemed so narrow

Most dangerous roads in Thailand 

[Ralf001]

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Was he not wearing a helmet?   

 

Are you aware of any insurer that insists on trousers, shoes and collared shirt in addition to a helmet in order to not void a travel insurance policy claim for a motorbike accident, it so, which one?

 

The no helmet and unroadworthy bike are enough to deny claim.

the no shirt and pathetic excuse for footwear are just sweeteners!

 

[Liverpool Lou]

18 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

The no helmet and unroadworthy bike are enough to deny claim.

I'm well aware of that.  Was he helmetless and riding an unroadworthy bike?

[Ralf001]

1 minute ago, Liverpool Lou said:

I'm well aware of that.  Was he helmetless and riding an unroadworthy bike?

 

Reviewing the pics............. yes.

[JoePai]

57 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Riding a bike wearing a bikini, should be banned,

Yea, take it off and feel the wind.........

[Liverpool Lou]

10 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

12 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

I'm well aware of that.  Was he helmetless and riding an unroadworthy bike?

 

Reviewing the pics............. yes.

Where are those pictures confirming he was not wearing a helmet and that the bike was not roadworthy?

[Harrisfan]

Always Brits no insurance. 

[Harrisfan]

6 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Where are those pictures confirming he was not wearing a helmet and that the bike was not roadworthy?

No insurance confirms he's dumb enough not to wear a helmet.

[swerve]

Seems not much sympathy on the AN for this guy.  Hope the family can get him back to the UK.

[Captain Flack]

A racist troll post has been removed.

 

@jori123post similar again and accept your getting a posting holiday

[Nick Carter icp]

19 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Where are those pictures confirming he was not wearing a helmet and that the bike was not roadworthy?

 

   Google his name , then click on his Go fund me page 

[GammaGlobulin]

I must say that if I were in a hospital, and comatose, this would be my choice:

 

a. I would hope that my family would definitely just leave sleeping dogs lie, meaning me, the dog, in the hospital bed.

b. After all, I would certainly NOT want my family to waste money on me, the lost cause.

c. I would not want to go through the rehabilitation expenses, if I, in the unlikely situation, regained consciousness.

d. No, if this ever happens to me, for whatever reason: Just allow me to lie in the hospital bed, oblivious to pain and suffering.

e. And, this reminds me: I must sign and witness a Living Will, so that there is NO CONFUSION.

f. I once did this before, just before major surgery.

g. The problem is that my wishes might not be respected, and this often happens, so unfortunately.

h. If I should have a fall while in my compound, and if I should be comatose as a result, then let me remain in my compound, where I am happiest.

i. I always feel most empathy for the families of people who are kept on life support, well beyond the time to make a good decision about what is best for the patient.

 

j. Of course, not knowing the details of the injury, and the prognosis for recovery, perhaps this case of the motorcycle accident is quite different. One does not know without access to the medical chart.

 

k. I know what I want for me, but maybe what I want for me is not what others want for themselves. Therefore, best to respect the wishes of patients, and best for potential patients to make, crystal clear, their wishes in such eventualities.

 

 

[proton]

2 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Really?

 

Really no insurance from the begging on his go fund me, needs a titanium plate inserting in his skull

 

Without immediate funding and no travel insurance in place, we cannot continue to pay for the ICU care or the critical surgery that Okemena needs to survive.

[GammaGlobulin]

7 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Google his name , then click on his Go fund me page 

 

I think that those intending to ride motorbikes should be instructed to not wear flip-flops, either

There is proper attire (safety gear) that might be advisable.

Never ride in Thailand, is the advice I always follow...NEVER...

 

This is just a matter of proper education, which will take time, as more and more people adhere to best safety practices.

 

[Ralf001]

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Where are those pictures confirming he was not wearing a helmet and that the bike was not roadworthy?

on face book.

[ukrules]

Is it ever the other vehicle drivers fault and therefore their insurance pays for the hospital bills or are you on your own every single time?