The costs 

1 hour ago, ChockyTheCat said:

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

I think he must have been put in the Chonburi Government hospital and they realised there was no way they would recover the true cost of the treatment. Initially on life support and unconscious for 6 days he must have initially been on ultra expensive life support. If he had ended up in one of the private ones, it would have been way higher and they are likely to have pursued him for more money. Earlier press reports quoted repatriation costs of £28k, but looks like he got a commercial flight.

17 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???????

Welsh paper reports imply the Gofundme page was set up by his Gran. At least that’s the way I read it.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/man-arrested-after-welsh-dad-31855347

I think many insurance are oversold. Like in Netherlands we all have a 'mandatory' medical insurance that's valid worldwide. Will have to request and download an international certified copy for Thailand, but that's it. All expenses paid up to the equivalent in treatment costs of my country (so that's more than enough). No extra travelling insurance needed. Still every time they try to sell me.

 

So my advice to you guys; check your home medical insurance and download and PRINT the international validation. Keep it with you everywhere you go ...

2 hours 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???

What's your problem? Were you forced to donate money for his recovery, or are you just trying to show off, you loudmouth?

Just now, Henkjan2 said:

I think many insurance are oversold. Like in Netherlands we all have a 'mandatory' medical insurance that's valid worldwide. Will have to request and download an international certified copy for Thailand, but that's it. All expenses paid up to the equivalent in treatment costs of my country (so that's more than enough). No extra travelling insurance needed. Still every time they try to sell me.

 

So my advice to you guys; check your home medical insurance and download and PRINT the international validation. Keep it with you everywhere you go ...

 

 

 

I also read that Dutch State pensions is 40% higher than UK State pensions for a single person.... UK governments are ripping us off big time.

 

 

 

21 minutes ago, BexMan said:

Welsh paper reports imply the Gofundme page was set up by his Gran. At least that’s the way I read it.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/man-arrested-after-welsh-dad-31855347

Ok, I believe you. I read it like that to. Didn´t see that page before. 🙂

A good insurance comes up in many scenarios.  I live in Thailand n i discover , by chance , a heart condition.  It was urgent but not life threatening.  That gave me the time to consult both Thai Surgeons and European Surgeons n went fr European because he had over 1500 surgery of that type done . This all made short , was costing 100.000 € abt. and all payed by the Insurance.  Obviously now Insurances will not pay any cardiac issue 😂😂😂.

2 hours ago, ChockyTheCat said:

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

 

2 hours ago, soalbundy said:

Maybe it was simpler because he's Welsh.

Shouldn't laugh but that was funny.

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Without travel insurance, medical expenses began to skyrocket...

4 hours 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???

I think you are the problem. People like to post hate until it is their turn to ask for help.

2 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

 

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?

 

 

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.

But you dont have to contribute. So why should it bother you?

Was just about to put here come all the it's His own fault for not having insurance Idiots when I read down some and happy to see how many Fall on the <deleted> happens and we where all young once side . Nice to see more Compassion than mindless Keyboard Warrior comments on here for once 👍. Kid wants to go out and have an adventure in His Young Life, something goes wrong, People chip in to help Him and His suffering Family out vs Kid wants to go out and have an adventure in His Young Life, something goes wrong and a load of Bitter Fools wiht nothing better to do make some nasty comments . 

4 hours ago, DUNROAMIN said:

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

Eh...? 

20 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

 

 

why the feck do these people not have " INSURANCE " it is no different than putting your seatbelt on when driving  , using a parachute when jumping out of an aircraft or wearing a helmet when on a motorbike and so forth , just the bleeding obvious.  True ,  they cannot suffer brain damage after the accident because they were already intellectually impaired.  

3 hours ago, NemoH said:

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 🤣😎😎

Don't forget that any bloke can have a heart attack or stroke on the nest after a happy ending like Shane Warne did   . too many blue pills ??

18 minutes ago, Brave-Fart said:

why the feck do these people not have " INSURANCE " it is no different than putting your seatbelt on when driving  , using a parachute when jumping out of an aircraft or wearing a helmet when on a motorbike and so forth , just the bleeding obvious.  True ,  they cannot suffer brain damage after the accident because they were already intellectually impaired.  

I am sure you were young and fearless at one time many moons ago. Maybe you have forgotten 😎

4 hours ago, ChockyTheCat said:

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

That’s not strange—Chonburi Hospital is run by the Thai government, not a private one.

They should have let him rot. No insurance idiot. 

5 hours ago, ChockyTheCat said:

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

Obviously he doesn’t have much of a brain… got discounted. 

 

4 hours ago, jwl53 said:

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

Nope. 

16 minutes ago, diveasia666 said:

They should have let him rot. No insurance idiot. 

 

Nasty stuff man.

4 hours ago, NemoH said:

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 🤣😎😎

Or get mugged! 

I would never travel without insurance. 

 

Under the influence of alcohol is a clause on most policies to refuse a claim, that would rule quite a few out!

 

Also we let our kid go on one of these small aerial rides suspended by a harness in a hotel complex. Thought nothing of it. This wouldn't have been covered apparently as is classed a dangerous pursuit. I think we are all guilty, or should I say ignorant to what we can and can't do due to the reams of small print in a travel insurance policy. Very easily done. 

6 hours 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???

What is wrong with you, people who donate are free to do so. Just like giving monthly help to charities probably bug you too.  I don’t like people who drink themselves stupid or drugs, but it’s their choice, not mine. 

Many members posting about no travel insurance, so may I please run this past everyone.......No-one knows how he became injured, he just "turned up in a hospital". Would any insurance company pay out without a valid reason for his hospitalisation? Knowing how they operate I would say it is unlikely. Just a thought.

3 hours ago, chuang said:

Why pay for insurance...

Because it is the responsible thing to do

especially as full insurance cover is very cheap when placed against the cost of medical treatment without insurance.

Why should others contribute to those costs when the cheap Charlie who travels without it doesn't give a smokin turd about it or the reputations of those who do.

If you are a traveller you have a responsibility and a duty to yourself and every other traveller but of course as has been espoused by one or two others ahead of my reply there will always be some moron who believes it is everyone else’s duty to take care of them when their personal s—-t hits the fan.

5 hours ago, frank83628 said:

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.

 

I bet you haven't tried to talk sense into a 28 year old boy.

The poor guy was carted into hospital in a coma with brain damage so it would be a bit hard for him to fill in the claim form so they would have to pay the claim surely. I don't know if they would pay if it was a suicide attempt.

5 hours 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.

The Thai women encourage this sort of back and forth.

They have a good, naughty sense of humor.

23 minutes ago, ade591 said:

I would never travel without insurance. 

It is why I am proud to be a Brit.

We don’t need it. We know if we get in a bit of strife our countrymen will dig deep if it is needed.

Much better than relying on the greedy insurance companies who are only interested in profits.

2 hours ago, frank83628 said:

But you dont have to contribute. So why should it bother you?

 

I find it very irritating that people don't take responsibilities for their lives and expect others to clean up their mess after them.

 

Simple as that.