Picture courtesy of Yahoo

 

A Welsh holidaymaker's trip to Bangkok turned into a life-threatening ordeal, but thanks to a community’s generosity, he's now safely back home.

 

Ashton Jones, a 29-year-old from Cwmbran, embarked on what was meant to be a carefree getaway on 30 May. However, merely five days into the trip, he vanished, leaving his family in distress. The search ended with the shocking discovery of Ashton in Chon Buri Hospital, requiring urgent brain surgery. Thai authorities are still investigating the circumstances that led to his critical condition.

 

Without travel insurance, medical expenses began to skyrocket, putting Jones' family in a dire position. In their darkest hour, his childhood friend, Angela Roden Shepherd, initiated a GoFundMe campaign that would become their lifeline. The campaign remarkably gathered £31,960, equivalent to 1.4 million baht, covering Jones’ medical treatment and enabling his return home on 20 July.

 

Angela, 50, shared the news in an emotional video, highlighting her gratitude and the bond she shares with Ashton:

 

 

“We grew up together, which is why I’ve done all this. I’ve got good news, Ashton is flying home today! He’ll arrive at Heathrow tomorrow, so happy days! It’s heartwarming to know he’ll be home on British soil. The generosity has been phenomenal, especially during such tough times.”

 

For a period, the situation worsened to the point where a Do Not Resuscitate order was considered. However, due to overwhelming public support, Ashton is now on the mend back in Wales.

 

The GoFundMe, now closed, successfully funded every aspect of Jones' care. His incredible journey from desperate straits to recovery has highlighted the power of community and friendship, leaving a profound impact on all involved.

 

Jones’ story stands as a testament to the unexpected power of compassion, turning what seemed like an impossible situation into a tale of hope and survival.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-22

 

 

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Ashton Jones, a 29-year-old

 

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

his childhood friend, Angela Roden Shepherd

 

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Angela, 50

 

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

“We grew up together

 

Ok good that the lad is better and it worked out for him. However one 29 another 50 and saying they grow up together???????

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Jones’ story stands as a testament to the unexpected power of compassion, turning what seemed like an impossible situation into a tale of hope and survival.

 

Jones' "story" hasn't been told yet. Probably never will be now.

Another idiot who doesnt get travel insurance when going to a country 4000 miles away and then relies on a go fund me page when something goes wrong, WTF is wrong with these people???

6 minutes ago, cookie1974 said:

Another idiot who doesnt get travel insurance when going to a country 4000 miles away and then relies on a go fund me page when something goes wrong, WTF is wrong with these people???

Another idiot who thinks everything in life is hunky dory.Lets hope you never fall into dire straits mate

9 minutes ago, cookie1974 said:

Another idiot who doesnt get travel insurance when going to a country 4000 miles away and then relies on a go fund me page when something goes wrong, WTF is wrong with these people???

Wtf is wrong with people who keep complaining about GoFundMe? 5H1t happens. 

Glad his back home. 

7 minutes ago, cookie1974 said:

Another idiot who doesnt get travel insurance when going to a country 4000 miles away and then relies on a go fund me page when something goes wrong, WTF is wrong with these people???

The thing is that at 29 like all at that age think they are bullet proof and never get sick . Not gonna have a stroke or heart attack and getting travel / medical insurance would be the last thing on their mind as they book their overseas holiday and when something happens they rely on everyone to help them.I woner if the travel agents should advise them better when they book.

Without travel insurance - Moron !

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Picture courtesy of Yahoo

 

A Welsh holidaymaker's trip to Bangkok turned into a life-threatening ordeal, but thanks to a community’s generosity, he's now safely back home.

 

Ashton Jones, a 29-year-old from Cwmbran, embarked on what was meant to be a carefree getaway on 30 May. However, merely five days into the trip, he vanished, leaving his family in distress. The search ended with the shocking discovery of Ashton in Chon Buri Hospital, requiring urgent brain surgery. Thai authorities are still investigating the circumstances that led to his critical condition.

 

Without travel insurance, medical expenses began to skyrocket, putting Jones' family in a dire position. In their darkest hour, his childhood friend, Angela Roden Shepherd, initiated a GoFundMe campaign that would become their lifeline. The campaign remarkably gathered £31,960, equivalent to 1.4 million baht, covering Jones’ medical treatment and enabling his return home on 20 July.

 

Angela, 50, shared the news in an emotional video, highlighting her gratitude and the bond she shares with Ashton:

 

 

“We grew up together, which is why I’ve done all this. I’ve got good news, Ashton is flying home today! He’ll arrive at Heathrow tomorrow, so happy days! It’s heartwarming to know he’ll be home on British soil. The generosity has been phenomenal, especially during such tough times.”

 

For a period, the situation worsened to the point where a Do Not Resuscitate order was considered. However, due to overwhelming public support, Ashton is now on the mend back in Wales.

 

The GoFundMe, now closed, successfully funded every aspect of Jones' care. His incredible journey from desperate straits to recovery has highlighted the power of community and friendship, leaving a profound impact on all involved.

 

Jones’ story stands as a testament to the unexpected power of compassion, turning what seemed like an impossible situation into a tale of hope and survival.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-22

 

 

Also stands as to the stupidity of people travelling in a foreign country with insurance.

Can't have been too bad if 31K paid the bill & got him repatriated? Medical team on board, modified seating like Jodi in Flying High?🙃🙃

8 minutes ago, wavodavo said:

The thing is that at 29 like all at that age think they are bullet proof and never get sick . Not gonna have a stroke or heart attack and getting travel / medical insurance would be the last thing on their mind as they book their overseas holiday and when something happens they rely on everyone to help them.I woner if the travel agents should advise them better when they book.

From my experience the travel agents only try to sell you their travel policies but dont really explain why you need it and when you decline that's it . Maybe for the younger ones they could spend a bit of time to show them some case histories to make them consider to take it out.

I wonder if he remembers or will ever be able to tell how he got the injury.

Very strange story, even in Thailand brain surgery would be way more than £31,000 !

15 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

 

 

 

 

Ok good that the lad is better and it worked out for him. However one 29 another 50 and saying they grow up together???????

Ok guys y'all are thiniking about what Angela meant when she said growing up together. Hmmm. Ashton 13 and Angel 34? Let me check some cougar porn for some possible ideas. Strictly for educational purposes. Checking for a friend.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Without travel insurance,

Best to stay with the green green grass of home.

56 minutes ago, cookie1974 said:

Another idiot who doesnt get travel insurance when going to a country 4000 miles away and then relies on a go fund me page when something goes wrong, WTF is wrong with these people???

You never been anywhere without insurance? Or done anything not covered by said insurance? Hope you don't become a Jones fella, but if you do I'm sure there will be some kind hearted soul out there that helps you

16 minutes ago, ChockyTheCat said:

Very strange story, even in Thailand brain surgery would be way more than £31,000 !

Maybe it was simpler because he's Welsh.

Brain surgery is a too generic term but it’s a catchy one for the dramatic…

15 minutes ago, riverhigh said:

Ok guys y'all are thiniking about what Angela meant when she said growing up together. Hmmm. Ashton 13 and Angel 34? Let me check some cougar porn for some possible ideas. Strictly for educational purposes. Checking for a friend.

And as so many deranged individuals, the first thing you referred to was porn. I am truly sad for the female population in Thailand, that has to put up with you guys.

Travel insurance is a necessity. But you would be surprised how many people do not declare pre-existing illnesses. Also insurance companies look for every avenue to decline a claim.

46 minutes ago, wavodavo said:

From my experience the travel agents only try to sell you their travel policies but dont really explain why you need it and when you decline that's it . Maybe for the younger ones they could spend a bit of time to show them some case histories to make them consider to take it out.

Haha. We have people locally that, after a bike crash, all say perhaps there should be driving school, so kids can take a lesson before renting.

Kids dont care, they will do what they want to so, same with insurance, their parents should be telling them, not the insurance broker.

 

11 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

And as so many deranged individuals, the first thing you referred to was porn. I am truly sad for the female population in Thailand, that has to put up with you guys.

Yeah. I know what you mean. 3+ pages on a thread about losing money to over a hooker.

Sad, but totally fits the stereotype of  a 'sexpat'

It’s not the issue of having or not having insurance… many times or all times - the issue relates to the kind of activities one choose to participate in. 
if you are into and intend to be in active sports, driving, motor cycling, scuba, ….etc  on holidays - then you should get insurance. 
 

It’s also known as risk management 😎

From what I know - shopping at LVMH, Gucci carries little to nil risks unless - of course - if you are the one paying for it 🤣😎😎

If one has insurance and/or sufficient financial resources, the question remains whether one has the medical expertise and equipment to carry out life-threatening treatment. Not all medical facilities are adequate, or they cannot be compared to what one knows in one's native country. Many responses indicate that, even among US citizens, people are forced to take out expensive insurance to receive medical treatment. However, realize that things can be different, and consider European countries where people pay a fraction. Of course, everyone has their own opinion, but it's only when they're confronted with it themselves that they reflect.

 

 

Not suggesting anything untoward in this case, as the money received is roughly equal to the cost of a commercial flight plus medical attendee.......however.....

 

If a campaign owner withdrawn funds, they get to keep the money. GoFundMe doesn’t control or reclaim it.

 

It’s up to the campaign organiser to spend the funds as promised.

 

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

he's now safely back home

Let's hope that he is not in need of any medical treatment from NHS Wales or he may regret leaving Thailand.

1 hour ago, rtco said:

Wtf is wrong with people who keep complaining about GoFundMe? 5H1t happens. 

 

Avoidable $hit, if he had bothered to get travel insurance.

 

Additionally, it's unclear how he sustained these wounds.

 

Why are people so irresponsible, leaving it to others and strangers to donate for their feckless lives?

 

1 hour ago, JoePai said:

Without travel insurance - Moron !

 

Have to agree!

 

 

Travel insurance should be at the top of everyone's list before nights out, restaurants, clubbing or partying.

 

Sadly, it's always too often, an afterthought followed by an avalanche of sob stories when things go wrong.

1 hour ago, rtco said:

Wtf is wrong with people who keep complaining about GoFundMe? 5H1t happens. 

 

............and everyone else has to pick up the pieces?......insurance is there for a reason.

1 hour ago, JoePai said:

Without travel insurance - Moron !

To many it's a smart thing.. anything happens can #gofundme...

Why pay for insurance...