Report British Embassy Alerts Pattaya Expats to Growing Risks

[webfact]

Pattaya | File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

The British Embassy has issued a stern warning to Brits residing in Pattaya, highlighting a worrying rise in consular emergencies. At a reception held at the Courtyard by Marriott, Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin, the consul for consular affairs, addressed British expats and Thai officials, stating that UK nationals facing distress are increasing rapidly.

 

Key concerns include an ageing expat population, a surge in uninsured traffic incidents, and a notable rise in drug-related arrests, especially involving cannabis.

 

Finnamore-Crorkin announced the pending appointment of George Barrie as the honorary consul for Pattaya, who will assist in handling these emergencies. She emphasised the growing issue of traffic accidents, particularly motorcycles, and urged Brits to ensure they have appropriate travel insurance and valid wills.

 

Another pressing issue is drug-related offences. The consul noted an alarming rise in holidaymakers attempting to leave Thailand with cannabis, mistakenly believing it’s legal elsewhere.

 

“Cannabis remains a controlled herb here,” she warned, stressing that offenders could face severe consequences abroad.

 

Finnamore-Crorkin also highlighted the complex bureaucracy in handling road accidents in Thailand, pointing out that no single agency is responsible. This task often requires embassy officials to liaise with a variety of local authorities, including police, hospitals, and immigration officials.

 

She expressed gratitude to Pattaya's British community, including ex-service groups and businesses, for their consistent support in assisting the embassy, as reported by Pattaya Mail.

 

On a more positive note, she mentioned the upcoming 170th anniversary of UK-Thailand diplomatic relations in 2025, underscoring a history of collaboration rooted in trade, tourism, and shared security values.

 

The embassy continues to urge all Brits in Thailand to register for travel advice and remain informed about local laws and risks.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-23

 

 

[Gsxrnz]

I didn't know cannabis was a herb, or is it an herb?

 

And anywhere in Thailand is a considerably safer place to be than London, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry ad infinitum. 

[jacko45k]

9 minutes ago, Gsxrnz said:

I didn't know cannabis was a herb, or is it an herb?

 

And anywhere in Thailand is a considerably safer place to be than London, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry ad infinitum. 

Oh I dunno, soi 6/1 Pattaya at 5am might get into the list!

[CharlieH]

18 minutes ago, Gsxrnz said:

I didn't know cannabis was a herb, or is it an herb?

 

And anywhere in Thailand is a considerably safer place to be than London, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry ad infinitum. 

Botanically, it is classified as a herbaceous plant, meaning it has soft, non-woody stems. It belongs to the Cannabaceae family. The plant's leaves, flowers (buds), and seeds are used for various purposes—medical, recreational, industrial (hemp), and culinary.

So, in both botanical and functional terms, cannabis qualifies as a herb.

[Gsxrnz]

3 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

Botanically, it is classified as a herbaceous plant, meaning it has soft, non-woody stems. It belongs to the Cannabaceae family. The plant's leaves, flowers (buds), and seeds are used for various purposes—medical, recreational, industrial (hemp), and culinary.

So, in both botanical and functional terms, cannabis qualifies as a herb.

 

Yeah, I get it - but cauliflowers are also classified as an herb. Not very hallucinogenic though. 

[Gsxrnz]

18 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Oh I dunno, soi 6/1 Pattaya at 5am might get into the list!

 

Only if your name is Kumar and you're sporting half a kilo of gold around your neck. 😇

[MarkBR]

48 minutes ago, Gsxrnz said:

I didn't know cannabis was a herb, or is it an herb?

 

And anywhere in Thailand is a considerably safer place to be than London, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry ad infinitum. 

Botanically it is a herb.  No development of a woody trunk as you would have in a typical tree or bush.

[Dmitry2222]

1 hour ago, Gsxrnz said:

And anywhere in Thailand is a considerably safer place to be than London, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry ad infinitum. 

Waht about Pattani Province? 😀

[Mr Meeseeks]

1 hour ago, Gsxrnz said:

I didn't know cannabis was a herb, or is it an herb?

 

And anywhere in Thailand is a considerably safer place to be than London, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry ad infinitum. 

 

Correct.

 

Thailand has very strict immigration rules and no tolerance for Sub-saharans or South Asians overstaying their short welcome.

 

Seems to be working very well for them. 

 

I'd rather be in Pattaya than any of those places in the UK.

[JoePai]

Why does the embassy get involved in road accidents ?

[renaissanc]

The lady might also have warned Brits in Pattaya to stay far away from the Pattaya transgenders because they seem to have only one goal in mind, namely, to rob you.

[Toby1947]

4 hours ago, Gsxrnz said:

 

Yeah, I get it - but cauliflowers are also classified as an herb. Not very hallucinogenic though. 

Better with cheese though 😂🤣😂

[quake]

Quote

Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin, 

 

Just had to have a name like that. 

[thjames007]

4 hours ago, Gsxrnz said:

I didn't know cannabis was a herb, or is it an herb?

 

And anywhere in Thailand is a considerably safer place to be than London, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry ad infinitum. 

Safer in what sense?  Driving a motorcycle with no experience no helmet and 10 Chang?? 

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, JoePai said:

Why does the embassy get involved in road accidents ?

Possibly when the person is deceased or:

Maybe when victims of road accidents don't have the insurance required to cover costs, they liaise between said person and family members back home to find/arrange funds ?

[TimF]

4 hours ago, Gsxrnz said:

 

Yeah, I get it - but cauliflowers are also classified as an herb. Not very hallucinogenic though. 

They are with my cheese sauce

[mikebell]

2 hours ago, JoePai said:

Why does the embassy get involved in road accidents ?

Because the police don't.  It's always the farang's fault even when he's stationery.

[DaRoadrunner]

16 minutes ago, renaissanc said:

The lady might also have warned Brits in Pattaya to stay far away from the Pattaya transgenders because they seem to have only one goal in mind, namely, to rob you.

Her Ladyship, the Consul, would not countenance such.

 

Try reporting to the Embassy that they distracted you with one hand grabbing your balls while their other hand went for your wallet.

[JimHuaHin]

Surprised, not; but I shall be surprised if some other Embassies do not issue similar warnings.

 

As we know, Pattaya has been getting some bad international press in recent times; and nothing effective has been done by the local authorities or Bangkok to remedy the "problems".

 

With an increasing number of foreigners behaving badly or the target of crimes, of course the consular sections of various Embassies will be forced to become involved.

[Hellfire]

—-The consul noted an alarming rise in holidaymakers attempting to leave Thailand with cannabis, mistakenly believing it’s legal elsewhere.—-

 

No alerts can help dealing with this type of idiocy

[newbee2022]

I never heard any similar concerns from other embassies.

Why all these incidents happen to Brits primarily.😳

[Magictoad]

I have not heard anything from the embassy which as far as I know ceased to exist years ago and NEVER HELP British people. They never help at all. So they can eff off as far as I'm concerned. 

[bkk6060]

So,  it is about uninsured British crashing their motorbikes and transporting drugs.

[Beat666]

5 hours ago, Gsxrnz said:

I didn't know cannabis was a herb, or is it an herb?

 

And anywhere in Thailand is a considerably safer place to be than London, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry ad infinitum. 

Indeed, it’s also known as an herb. My spouse has been offering noodle soups infused with cannabis for years. It’s pretty popular in other parts of the country as well.

[geisha]

Well I suppose even the most * aware*expats need reminding that they’re not immune from car’/ bike accidents. Plus all the other scams, rip offs , dangers of moving in the nightlife circles. Many are just staying home with a wife and a nice family, but is everything in order in case of illness and legalities ? 
As for tourists who im sure outnumber the expats by far concerning trouble, accidents, stupid behavior, what can you do ? Seems to me everyone knows the dangers here, and hardly anyone on a few weeks let’s go mad holiday seems to give a hoot what can happen to them ! Just goes to show what type of imbecile Thailand is attracting these days. Drink till you drop, fight, drugs , bad company , and then cry wolf when they get into deep water.

[Stocky]

3 hours ago, Dmitry2222 said:

Waht about Pattani Province? 😀

The UK Travel advisory clearly states:

"The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all but essential travel to parts of southern Thailand due to security risks, specifically ongoing violence and terrorist attacks near the Thailand-Malaysia border. The high-risk areas include Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat provinces, and southern Songkhla province (south of the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and south of the train line between Hat Yai and Padang Besar). Travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line is also discouraged unless essential."

[Burma Bill]

19 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Possibly when the person is deceased or:

Maybe when victims of road accidents don't have the insurance required to cover costs, they liaise between said person and family members back home to find/arrange funds ?

 Yes indeed.

For reference Google:- 

 

The British Embassy in Bangkok gets involved in road accidents involving British nationals because it's part of their consular responsibilities to provide assistance to citizens abroad. This includes offering support to those injured, helping with communication between families and authorities, and navigating complex legal and administrative processes in Thailand. The embassy also works to raise awareness about road safety and reduce the number of accidents involving British nationals. 

[geisha]

I repeat myself , only when compulsory fully comprehensive insurance for all Tourists is introduced , and immediate deporting of the trouble makers , will these idiots take notice.  Good riddance.

[novacova]

5 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Botanically, it is classified as a herbaceous plant, meaning it has soft, non-woody stems. It belongs to the Cannabaceae family. The plant's leaves, flowers (buds), and seeds are used for various purposes—medical, recreational, industrial (hemp), and culinary.

So, in both botanical and functional terms, cannabis qualifies as a herb.

A forb to be more specific. Herb is a broad term that would include herbaceous species and graminoids. 

[soalbundy]

46 minutes ago, quake said:

 

Just had to have a name like that. 

Harry Potter and friends.