6 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

It doesn't make any sense, because he has a pension coming in.

A pension is enough for a flight. 

Doesn't add up. 

 

Not to mention he wants to go back to live with his family..  His family not give him 10k to come home?  But total strangers pay for him to go home?  

1 hour ago, Jack Hammer said:

Him being an amputee, old and frail, maybe it’s more of a physical assistance he needs more than  monetary assistance

 

Yeah, I can empathize with him, I think, though if he was just physically limited, they would have just taken him to the airport and put him on a plane.

 

I hae a feeling that theere might not be  a warm welcome home in Aus and that the embassy might have to arrange a few things for him back in OZ

Maybe the chief could show some of that world renowned thai kindness and kick in a brown envelope ?

7 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Mate, go and learn from the British 🥳

Start a #gofundme campaign.

Believe me, it works👍

 

   Why don't you start a GFM for him ?

16 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Why don't you start a GFM for him ?

I'm not his mother. Maybe you?

3 hours ago, G Rex said:

The man is an Australian. He wants to return to Australia.

If he said he was a millionaire - I think it is safe to assume he is referring to Australian dollars , and not Thai Baht!

 

Even You would be a millionaire in India, with Rupees.  

I don't think it's safe to assume that at all. He doesn't say he's a millionaire - the article says that "local chief Boontom Sorumpa reported [on his] dire situation" and it then goes on to say he's a millionaire.

 

Given the source of the report, plus the fact that the article talks about him selling a house for 4 million baht, I'd say it's actually more likely that they're taking about him being a baht millionaire.

2 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

I'm not his mother. Maybe you?

 

   Anyone can start a GFM page .

I'm not bothered about him, so I wont be starting a GFM page 

7 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

Yes, everyone should stop getting into relationships and start families and just sleep with hookers. 

 

How did he let his wife spiral into drug addiction though? You would know if your wife is taking meth and intervene at some point? Sad stuff. 

 

Problem arises if you marry a hooker and instantly think she's a saint

45 minutes ago, proton said:

 

There is no karma, it's a myth for the simple minded

When it comes to being simple minded champ, your name is at the top of the list.

5 hours ago, Robin said:

The "Grand Mansion" might well be in his wife's name, so he cannot sell.  Often the risk with LLOS property ownership rules.  Not a good situation to be in.

Well it can't be legally his!

2 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

He must have a pension of some sort.  He had to have money before.  Needs to get to bank change ATM card then get ticket at end of month 

 

If he had family to contact her could do it himself.

 

What has he been doing for visa

He doesn't necessarily have a pension. As several people have pointed out, there are a number of requirements for getting an Australian pension, that he may not fulfill.

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Once a millionaire, Marcus entrusted his wife with his retirement money after selling a townhouse in Bangkok for over 4 million Thai baht.

A millionaire?  Hell, that even makes me a "multi-millionaire."  Pretty low bar in Thailand.

5 minutes ago, Will27 said:

When it comes to being simple minded champ, your name is at the top of the list.

 

Lets have some proof of karma then, where was karma when Mao died in his bed after killing about 60 million, or Stalin or Pol Pot, seems to have passed them by. The pathetic argument of the simple minded is usually along the lines of, it will be in their next life lol

17 minutes ago, GroveHillWanderer said:

He doesn't necessarily have a pension. As several people have pointed out, there are a number of requirements for getting an Australian pension, that he may not fulfill.

Then how would he be able to renew his visa.  There is no visa that doesnot mean you have to thave money

12 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

Then how would he be able to renew his visa.  There is no visa that doesnot mean you have to thave money

 

Visa's cannot be renewed only extending permission of stay

One of the few go fund me accounts I would contribute to. The man is in serious trouble at the end of his life. Could happen to any of us or our loved ones. No need to lecture him or promote your lessons to avoid all life dangers.  You simply cannot avoid all danger all of the time.
He needs a little help and his family. Hope he gets both and lives the last few years of his life with dignity and love and respect. 🙏

He doesn't seem to have been in touch with his relatives in Australia otherwise why haven't they reached out to him. Maybe he cut them off and now they don't talk. All very sad but old people seem to think the years create wisdom without any effort from them.

7 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

It doesn't make any sense, because he has a pension coming in.

A pension is enough for a flight. 

Doesn't add up. 

 

Not every pensioner from Australia recieves the pension , you have to live in Australia for I think over 35 years in order to recieve the full pension , and you have to live in Australia for 2 years prior to applying for the pension , it is no good moving to Thailand or any other country and then applying because you will not be granted the pension. But if he is receiving the full pension then he would be getting approximately $1,080 a fortnight which would be enough for him to fly home , assuming he is receiving the pension , I would assume that he is not hence the reason as to why he is seeking financial assistance. 

7 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

It doesn't make any sense, because he has a pension coming in.

A pension is enough for a flight. 

Doesn't add up. 

 

I don't see any reference to him receiving a pension. He's lived in Thailand for a long time and if he didn't get a pension, then he needs to spend 2 years there to qualify.

Australia is not friendly to their expats living off shore, and spending their pensions outside Australia is frowned upon.

7 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

It doesn't make any sense, because he has a pension coming in.

A pension is enough for a flight. 

Doesn't add up. 

 

I kinda thought the same.

 

A one way ticket to Australia can't cost that much.

 

It also states he wants to return to family

 

I would of thought 'if' they wanted him to return to them, they would have rustled up the cash for a ticket

8 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

It doesn't make any sense, because he has a pension coming in.

A pension is enough for a flight. 

Doesn't add up. 

 

 

7 hours ago, giddyup said:

And he should have at least 400K for Immigration purposes.

 

Yep ... or is he an overstay of his visa.  Or, used an agent to skirt the rules, and why I'm against the use of agents.

 

Live (or die) with your choices.   Me, I would have bought that ticket home with my last 10K THB.

 

No embassy or AU family help ... come on, just the cost of a flight.

There's so many savage pricks on here today! He's an old fella....lost a leg...lost a wife virtually and now down on his luck....and being attacked by fake keyboard "smarts"!

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of CH7 news

 

UDON THANI - A 75-year-old Australian man is stranded in Thailand, desperate to return to his homeland after a string of misfortunes. After a severe accident left him amputated, his funds dwindled when his Thai wife succumbed to drug addiction. With just 1,520 Thai baht remaining, he’s appealing for help to get back to Australia.

 

In Udon Thani’s Ban Dung district, local chief Boontom Sorumpa reported the dire situation of Marcus Own, an Australian pensioner marooned after misplacing trust in his wife, leading to financial ruin. Once a millionaire, Marcus entrusted his wife with his retirement money after selling a townhouse in Bangkok for over 4 million Thai baht. Now, with his wife undergoing drug rehabilitation, he faces life alone in a squalid, neglected home.

 

Marcus’s tragic tale began eight months ago when he suffered a car accident, resulting in the amputation of his left leg. He moved to Ban Dong Dara with his wife, Phikun, 45, but encountered further woes as her methamphetamine addiction spiralled. The couple, who travelled frequently between Thailand and Australia during happier times, now find their lives shattered as Phikun battles her addiction.

 

In a heart-wrenching interview, Marcus shared his desire to return to his family in Australia, where he hopes to live out his remaining days. He struggles without support in a once-grand Spanish-style home, now only a shadow of its former self. Confronted with the wreckage of his life, he pleads with authorities and the local community to assist his journey back home.

 

Village chief Boontom reported witnessing Phikun in distress, exhibiting erratic behaviour prior to his admission to rehab. The local community has shown compassion by providing Marcus with meals, but his plight remains dire. Meanwhile, law enforcement plans to escort him to the Australian consulate, aiming to secure his passage home, reported CH7 news.

 

Marcus’s story has touched many in Ban Dong Dara, a poignant reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. His aged mother-in-law, Tting, acknowledges her daughter’s struggles with addiction but remains uncertain about her ability to care for her husband.

 

The unfolding situation underscores the complex challenges faced by Marcus and demonstrates the importance of taking swift action to reunite him with loved ones in Australia. The Australian embassy’s response will be crucial, as coordinated efforts proceed to ensure Marcus Own can safely return to his homeland.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CH7 news 2025-08-13

 

I can guess to the Australian embassy response.,,we are providing consular assistance. In other words sweet F all.

So many times over the years I have given 'extended' advice or provided 'strong' opinion on planning ahead - and many Expats have told me to stop worrying, or to lighten up, or to not take things so seriously, or to go home if you dont like it, etc etc etc.  It looks to me that this bloke was like that and he lead the life of Riley, and did not give sheite about anything or anyone. My wife and I are OK - but we do not have the money to travel back and forth to Australia all the time.  Now his lack of planning and preparation has all come back and bit him hard on the backside - and I dont give a rat's read end.  Guys - plan ahead for when you are very old - put aside money and have a fu****** plan.  He is 'only' 75 and yet he is now destitute - after living the high life for many years.  I hope others here learn from him - what not to do - dont ignore your 'end game' because it is coming - and it will arrive when you are not prepared for it - if you dont prepare.  My response to Marcus is go fish - his family can look after him - if they want to. 

2 hours ago, portisaacozzy said:

yes, as long as you agree not to make a claim within the first 10 years

 

Got a link to support that? 

 

Didn't think so.

Unfortunately, this is how many Thai's think about foreigners. Drugs or not. Happens every day in Thailand. Reems have been written about it. And, it still happens all the time.

13 minutes ago, ChrisY1 said:

There's so many savage pricks on here today! He's an old fella....lost a leg...lost a wife virtually and now down on his luck....and being attacked by fake keyboard "smarts"!

He's not down on his luck at all mate - he failed to plan ahead and it has all gone to pieces. 

If his family really wants him back then an airfare and pick him up at the airport is easy peasy.

That they have not and he is begging for help tells me that have said the same as us - you made the bed now go lie in it. 

8 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

It doesn't make any sense, because he has a pension coming in.

A pension is enough for a flight. 

Doesn't add up. 

 

What makes you think he has a pension?

The article said he was a millionaire, maybe no longer a millionaire, maybe never applied for a pension. Wouldn't have got one as the Aussie pension is means tested.

3 hours ago, UbonEagle said:

Feel for the guy but it's hard to comprehend how you can dig yourself a hole as deep as this one...if penniless his life in Oz ain't going to be much better 

For me its hard to understand those who are so sure that it will never happen to them,  Don't be so sure of yourselves,  $hit can and will happen at anytime and to anybody,  and your life can be changed forever in seconds.

 Its really not that uncommon, I am pretty sure at least a couple of the gloaters on here will face an equally unpleasant end to their currently perfect lives, ....never say never there are no prizes for tempting fate as you will find out

13 minutes ago, ChrisY1 said:

There's so many savage pricks on here today! He's an old fella....lost a leg...lost a wife virtually and now down on his luck....and being attacked by fake keyboard "smarts"!

What, was his brain in his leg ?   Has no friends or family to help.  Not like the flight to AU is expense or hard to organize.

 

Had a Yank friend in Udon Thani, had as string of bad luck, mostly because he was an alky, but still a friend.   Gave him money for a flight back to USA, and some pocket money.   Didn't expect to get repaid.  

 

Couple years later, he's in BKK, sends an email, meet up, repaid + bit of interest, so I guess I had to buy the beers.   

 

Come on, he doesn't have 1 friend or family member.  One more pension disbursement coming ?  Something is missing in this story, nobody is really that stupid, or he burnt every bridge there was already.  Uses an agent, and every safeguard the Imm rules require were ignored, along with the simplest of common sense ?

 

Live with your choices.

 

Ring him up, and get him on his way.   There you go, his problem is solved, since you not a cold hearted bastard like myself.   Keep us posted with your progress of helping him