Scot Left Stranded On Phi Phi Island After Her Canadian Friends ‘Poisoned’

[TackyToo]

Is it only me that doesn't have a problem with a business requesting and holding the one thing that will ensure you pay your bill???

Would she have preferred that they didn't start treating her until she called daddy dearest and cleared the 400pound...

Now - the investigation or lack there of, with respect to the deaths is a different story all together... striking similarity to the Downtown Inn in Chiang Mai that was originally put down to food poisoning, and would have stayed that way if one of the victims Aussie fathers didn't pull out all stops to ensure a proper investigation...

Is it only me that doesn't have a problem with a business requesting and holding the one thing that will ensure you pay your bill???

As far as I know, a passport is a document owned by the country of issue. The person travilling on this document is only the "holder". How would you like the idea if every shop owner would keep your passport by assuming he was underpaid?

[kjhbigv]

"I am more interested in the degree of the connection between this lady's sickness and that of the deceased sisters. Were they together that same night? Did they eat together? What and where were they drinking? Was the Scottish lady a successful tout for a bar? Too successful?"

You could always ask her. Just type in "Samantha Kay Dundee" in Facebook and there she is!

[bangkokheat]

Actually she can feel lucky, she is still alive and the hospital only hold her passport. It can have been a lot worst...

Like this story: Last year a LEGAL burmese worker with a VALID visa got an accident in construction site in thailand. They sent him to hospital but when they found that no one gonna pay the hospital bills, they just chained him to his bed( inspite he canot even walk because of his serious injury)

some NGO stepped in and I think the story ended well, at least i hope..

http://www.dvb.no/ne...o;™/14082

Is that for real, the medical proffession chaining someone up like an animal? Thats quite medieval actually and thats quite a big strong heavy chain as well. That can't be Thailand they are a developed country.

actually the chain looks plastic based on the colour

[Suradit69]

Let'snot kid ourselves. Thailand is a very dangerous place.

It's amazing how many people apparently sign up with ThaiVisa in order to make their "first post" some pointless, childish Thai bashing comment.

Let's not kid ourselves, some very bitter, sad people seem to get a weird satisfaction out of jumping on every bit of bad news and using it to serve their own purposes.

[Soutpeel]

Actually she can feel lucky, she is still alive and the hospital only hold her passport. It can have been a lot worst...

Like this story: Last year a LEGAL burmese worker with a VALID visa got an accident in construction site in thailand. They sent him to hospital but when they found that no one gonna pay the hospital bills, they just chained him to his bed( inspite he canot even walk because of his serious injury)

some NGO stepped in and I think the story ended well, at least i hope..

http://www.dvb.no/ne...o;™/14082

Is that for real, the medical proffession chaining someone up like an animal? Thats quite medieval actually and thats quite a big strong heavy chain as well. That can't be Thailand they are a developed country.

actually the chain looks plastic based on the colour

Its called black steel...and yes its exists...and yes you get black steel chains.....as well....

[Suradit69]

Is it only me that doesn't have a problem with a business requesting and holding the one thing that will ensure you pay your bill???

Would she have preferred that they didn't start treating her until she called daddy dearest and cleared the 400pound...

Now - the investigation or lack there of, with respect to the deaths is a different story all together... striking similarity to the Downtown Inn in Chiang Mai that was originally put down to food poisoning, and would have stayed that way if one of the victims Aussie fathers didn't pull out all stops to ensure a proper investigation...

Is it only me that doesn't have a problem with a business requesting and holding the one thing that will ensure you pay your bill???

As far as I know, a passport is a document owned by the country of issue. The person travilling on this document is only the "holder". How would you like the idea if every shop owner would keep your passport by assuming he was underpaid?

in the not too distant past, foreigners checking into hotels anywhere in the world would hand over their passports to be kept during their stay. Now that photocopiers are found everywhere, it's no longer necessary, but it was the norm for a long time.

[Soutpeel]

Let'snot kid ourselves. Thailand is a very dangerous place.

It's amazing how many people apparently sign up with ThaiVisa in order to make their "first post" some pointless, childish Thai bashing comment.

Let's not kid ourselves, some very bitter, sad people seem to get a weird satisfaction out of jumping on every bit of bad news and using it to serve their own purposes.

So your saying Thai is not a dangerous place then ?

It is amazing that people sign up with Thai visa with the primary purpose of becoming an apologist...

[bangkokheat]

do any of your wifes or girl friends watch the news? my missus tells me she heard on the news that there is video evidence that one of the deceased canadian girls was seen on cam at the hotel with a falang guy, the guy apparently checked out the next day, the police have got the guy for questioning

[katana]

...the small print says she is not insured if she travels for longer than 90 days, which she has.

Small print! Naturally the policy is limited to a fixed term - you bought the 90 day policy you got the 90 day policy.

many policies won't cover you if you are outside your home area for more than x number of days. Even blue cross/blue shield is like this. This is quite common in the US that your insurance will cover you on holiday but not if you are outside your home area for more than 90 days. Most ppl don't know this until the situation arises that they need to file a claim and get denied.

I've used an annual travel insurance policy like that before. It covers you for multiple trips around the world to any country, but each trip must not exceed 90 days before you return home. This kind of policy actually worked out good value for money and not that much more expensive than a single trip policy.

[bangkokheat]

Actually she can feel lucky, she is still alive and the hospital only hold her passport. It can have been a lot worst...

Like this story: Last year a LEGAL burmese worker with a VALID visa got an accident in construction site in thailand. They sent him to hospital but when they found that no one gonna pay the hospital bills, they just chained him to his bed( inspite he canot even walk because of his serious injury)

some NGO stepped in and I think the story ended well, at least i hope..

http://www.dvb.no/ne...o;™/14082

Is that for real, the medical proffession chaining someone up like an animal? Thats quite medieval actually and thats quite a big strong heavy chain as well. That can't be Thailand they are a developed country.

actually the chain looks plastic based on the colour

Its called black steel...and yes its exists...and yes you get black steel chains.....as well....

if it was black steel then it would be hardened or hi tensile and heavy and can still rust especially from sweaty hands, hi tensile chain huh, to be sure to be sure

[Nigel1500]

Where is the British Consular help?

[bangkokheat]

Let'snot kid ourselves. Thailand is a very dangerous place.

It's amazing how many people apparently sign up with ThaiVisa in order to make their "first post" some pointless, childish Thai bashing comment.

Let's not kid ourselves, some very bitter, sad people seem to get a weird satisfaction out of jumping on every bit of bad news and using it to serve their own purposes.

cut the guy some slack, its his first post and wanted something to say, I would hate to see you with a child taking their first step, they would never try walking again

[Trentham]

I was diagnosed with glaucome by B.....d hospital. They did laser surgery to fix it. I had to go back for 1 monthly check-ups for a year, then 2 monthly then 3 monthly. 3500 baht each time. I returned to Australia and went for my next 3 monthly check. The eye specialist there siad none of the check-ups were necessary. Laser fixes it - end of story. I had been ripped off for untold thousands of baht. Do not trust Thai hospitals.

[edwinclapham]

Where is the British Consular help?

The British Embassy are not there to assist you with the payments of your bills. Thats why we have travel insurance

[glassdude007]

no western union outlets in Scottland or on phi-phi ???

takes minutes to transfer money?

but need a passport to retrieve the funds...Hmmm?

[bangkokheat]

Well.. I see thai writing on the bed sheet.

You do know he was being sarcastic dont you ?

honestly.. with all the fools here on TVF, I just assume they mean what they say literally unless I see an emoticon to indicate differently.

of course your not one of those fools mr perfect i would hazard a guess that your a very educated person which in turn means your perfect, infallible and think highly of yourself and your ego is out of control thought i chuck a few smilies in for you, the politicians, doctors, lawyers and other highly educated (scholastically speaking) etc pfffft dont live in the real world with the exception to some, and no I didnt take your post personally

[moe666]

When I read these stories about young people traveling the world on a nickle and then they cry and complain when things donot go their way. Good ridiance go home and pay your dad back.

[Sabrinus]

I have been there . . . . Detained by Hospital

Went to Chang my for the Kings flower festival when I was quite new toThailand with my Finacee, to celebrate one year of being engaged. and we got separated, (now guys, we have been together 10 years happy now, before the usual comments) and so as per the usual Brit way, I went to the Police station.

After being detained for 2 days at the police station, just being told 'Dont sapeek Engleesh', not having my passport on me and other forms of ID not accepted, they took me to the local 'hospital'... dont ask me why. Now as my wife booked the occasion, I did not know the name of the hotel, but did know where it was, stated I will show them exactly where it is, (Been to Chang Mai the previous year) but was told I am not allowed out of the hospital as I dont have a passport, nor any funds to pay for my stay.

I had my Driving licence, usual ATM and visa cards, Works ID card, etc etc. but no good at all - Would not even trust me to go under escort to the hotel, or extract money from the ATM.

This went on for 12 days, behond frantic and I knew I had now missed my flight back to the U.K.- Due back in the office, work etc. And still every time I asked the so called Doctor, just YO CANNIT LEEV UTIL DA BILL PAID... I even game my fiancee mobile number, our home number but nothing.

Despite my Family back in the U.K. contacting the the local consulate, my work had been contacted as well, and they asked the local Police in the U.K. for advise what to do, my Finacee calling everywhere she could. Just by luck after 2-3 visits back to Chang Mai, the wife heard from a Cab driver that some 'FARANGS' are taken to this hospital, and there is where she found me.

My Finacee paid the 'money owing' to a very pissed off so called Doctor, who pretended not to speak English. Later I found out that the first thing all doctors must pass to qualify as a Doctor is an English exam.

Anyhow, back to this poor young lady something must be done. Even if there is a panic number setup, a kind of stranded helpline. Its all well and good talking about insurace, but if you are stuck how can they have verification of your certificates, authority if left in the hotel etc. that is a litteral catch 22.

The worse this about cases like this, (mine was no where near as bad as this young lady) is that after the event no one at all, in any position of authority gives a hoot. Consul, Embassy, Thai Tourist police, Foreign affairs. Its just a touch luck attitude should not travel to Thailand attitude.

I hope it never happens to any of you. And best of luck to the Scottish Girl.

Edited June 20, 2012 by Sabrinus

[edwinclapham]

When I read these stories about young people traveling the world on a nickle and then they cry and complain when things donot go their way. Good ridiance go home and pay your dad back.

I think its great for kids to travel the world, and in all fairness I have met some exceptional travellers whilst being on the road myself. Its just a question of educating kids on "how to travel" which is vitally important.

Leaving the comfort of ones own home/country and embarking on foreign travel can easily turn into a disaster.

There is no excuse in the day of the internet not to be able to do your research.

[Soutpeel]

When I read these stories about young people traveling the world on a nickle and then they cry and complain when things donot go their way. Good ridiance go home and pay your dad back.

When I read these stories about young people traveling the world on a nickle and then they cry and complain when things donot go their way. Good ridiance go home and pay your dad back.

When I read these stories about young people traveling the world on a nickle and then they cry and complain when things donot go their way. Good ridiance go home and pay your dad back.

One could suggest the same thing of some of our resident old age pensioners living in Thailand....at least the young people have an excuse...they are young and stupid...

[Soutpeel]

Call me a dumb yank but I always thought that tongue in cheek was the international sign for blow job.

I dont think your a dumb yank....but after many years extensive research both in the US and working with our colonial cousins, the conclusion I have drawn is that you boys on the other side of the pond just dont get the dry/sarcastic/ironic sense of humour and I blame it on your dire American sitcoms

[luckyman]

Let'snot kid ourselves. Thailand is a very dangerous place.

Yes, so true for most of us and the trick is to try and stay humble and observant while staying here long time. As most people who decide to live here permanently tend to think they have seen it all, let their guard down to easy and to often and can get scammed, hurt or both easily....

However, as a travel destination for a holiday trip, I think it's one of the safest places around, like Australia and N. Zealand.

My daughter(19) just finished her backpack trip with a male friend that took them throughout the whole country, from Chiangmai to Phuket. She even went to Phi Phi Island and not once did she need my help during her 90-day stay...

[luckyman]

Being sick is not a good excuse for NOT paying your hospital bill.

Of course! She should have made shure she had money in her pocket before visiting a hospital in Thailand and if no or not enough money left, call daddy to wire some via Western Union. Easy like a walk in the park!!

[farang000999]

I find it ridiculous how many farang decide to have a vacation in another country when they do not have 400 pounds to their name to pay a medical bill. Are these the same people lining up with their hands out for social benefits in their own countries and demanding free schooling and god knows what else? What a bunch of spoiled brats. The West has created a monster with it's endless entitlement programs and political correctness.

[edwinclapham]

I find it ridiculous how many farang decide to have a vacation in another country when they do not have 400 pounds to their name to pay a medical bill. Are these the same people lining up with their hands out for social benefits in their own countries and demanding free schooling and god knows what else? What a bunch of spoiled brats. The West has created a monster with it's endless entitlement programs and political correctness.

Oh boy aint that the truth..!!

[Soutpeel]

I find it ridiculous how many farang decide to have a vacation in another country when they do not have 400 pounds to their name to pay a medical bill. Are these the same people lining up with their hands out for social benefits in their own countries and demanding free schooling and god knows what else? What a bunch of spoiled brats. The West has created a monster with it's endless entitlement programs and political correctness.

Go and ask how many British OAP's living in Thailand on state pensions have 400 quid cash in hand to pay a medical bill in Thailand.... My case rest M'lud

[edwinclapham]

I find it ridiculous how many farang decide to have a vacation in another country when they do not have 400 pounds to their name to pay a medical bill. Are these the same people lining up with their hands out for social benefits in their own countries and demanding free schooling and god knows what else? What a bunch of spoiled brats. The West has created a monster with it's endless entitlement programs and political correctness.

Go and ask how many British OAP's living in Thailand on state pensions have 400 quid cash in hand to pay a medical bill in Thailand.... My case rest M'lud

He said "on vacation" not ex pats residing in Thailand m'lud

[Geekfreaklover]

I have been there . . . . Detained by Hospital

Went to Chang my for the Kings flower festival when I was quite new toThailand with my Finacee, to celebrate one year of being engaged. and we got separated, (now guys, we have been together 10 years happy now, before the usual comments) and so as per the usual Brit way, I went to the Police station.

After being detained for 2 days at the police station, just being told 'Dont sapeek Engleesh', not having my passport on me and other forms of ID not accepted, they took me to the local 'hospital'... dont ask me why. Now as my wife booked the occasion, I did not know the name of the hotel, but did know where it was, stated I will show them exactly where it is, (Been to Chang Mai the previous year) but was told I am not allowed out of the hospital as I dont have a passport, nor any funds to pay for my stay.

I had my Driving licence, usual ATM and visa cards, Works ID card, etc etc. but no good at all - Would not even trust me to go under escort to the hotel, or extract money from the ATM.

This went on for 12 days, behond frantic and I knew I had now missed my flight back to the U.K.- Due back in the office, work etc. And still every time I asked the so called Doctor, just YO CANNIT LEEV UTIL DA BILL PAID... I even game my fiancee mobile number, our home number but nothing.

Despite my Family back in the U.K. contacting the the local consulate, my work had been contacted as well, and they asked the local Police in the U.K. for advise what to do, my Finacee calling everywhere she could. Just by luck after 2-3 visits back to Chang Mai, the wife heard from a Cab driver that some 'FARANGS' are taken to this hospital, and there is where she found me.

My Finacee paid the 'money owing' to a very pissed off so called Doctor, who pretended not to speak English. Later I found out that the first thing all doctors must pass to qualify as a Doctor is an English exam.

Anyhow, back to this poor young lady something must be done. Even if there is a panic number setup, a kind of stranded helpline. Its all well and good talking about insurace, but if you are stuck how can they have verification of your certificates, authority if left in the hotel etc. that is a litteral catch 22.

The worse this about cases like this, (mine was no where near as bad as this young lady) is that after the event no one at all, in any position of authority gives a hoot. Consul, Embassy, Thai Tourist police, Foreign affairs. Its just a touch luck attitude should not travel to Thailand attitude.

I hope it never happens to any of you. And best of luck to the Scottish Girl.

Don't worry. something like the above will never happen to me. Jeeze. Detained for 12 days in a hospital just because you lost your girlfriend in a crowded street?

Are you for real?

[how241]

Let'snot kid ourselves. Thailand is a very dangerous place.

I could NOT agree with that.

[sawadeeken]

I may be pretty far down the thread and my idea too late, but if it were I, I would let them keep the passport, jump on the bus (and ferry) to Bangkok and apply for a lost passport at the embassy, and let them be damned to get any money. Let the restruant with the bad food pay the hospital......