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

[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.

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?

Yup and I am very well traveled, worked in the Airline industry for years, been from Baghdad to Belize, from Dallas to Dubai even up in the mountains of Jordan. And yes, have had a few troubls but this is the only place in all my years being detained like that matey.

[how241]

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!!

Agreed.

[edwinclapham]

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?

Yup and I am very well traveled, worked in the Airline industry for years, been from Baghdad to Belize, from Dallas to Dubai even up in the mountains of Jordan. And yes, have had a few troubls but this is the only place in all my years being detained like that matey.

On what basis were you detained may I ask? Had they sectioned you as as a Psychiatric patient! A very strange happening indeed!

[farang000999]

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

I could NOT agree with that.

Care to elaborate? It seems relatively unsafe to me, especially for a nooby tourist. I almost hit a motorcyclist opening the taxi door on my first trip into the city from the airport.

Edited June 20, 2012 by farang000999

[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.

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?

Yup and I am very well traveled, worked in the Airline industry for years, been from Baghdad to Belize, from Dallas to Dubai even up in the mountains of Jordan. And yes, have had a few troubls but this is the only place in all my years being detained like that matey.

On what basis were you detained may I ask? Had they sectioned you as as a Psychiatric patient! A very strange happening indeed!

They never said to me, or to my now wife - After all my friend, my fluency in Thai and written Thai, as well as beauroctracic Thai, and I guess as the Police (Very polite I must add) were involved, legal Thai, is slighly lacking Hombre.

Edited June 20, 2012 by Sabrinus

[sportsman69]

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

Don't matter, ever tried to break that shit ! 3/8 short link almost as good as the real thing, towed a car with it.

Edited June 20, 2012 by sportsman69

[edwinclapham]

I actually wasnt insulting you, but seeing you were lost, I was wondering whether they mistakenly thought you didnt know who you were (Amnesia) . What a strange story.. how frightening.

Edited June 20, 2012 by edwinclapham

[IsaanUSA]

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

I could NOT agree with that.

Care to elaborate? It seems relatively unsafe to me, especially for a nooby tourist. I almost hit a motorcyclist opening the taxi door on my first trip into the city from the airport.

I wouldn't say Thailand is dangerous, but risky behavior in Thailand is more dangerous to your well being compared to other countries. One good reason is that there are less safety features on many day to day things in Thailand.

Edited June 20, 2012 by IsaanUSA

[sportsman69]

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...

Checked around, once the clock hits 70 they shut the gate. Me, no problem, I know the rules and plan accordingly unlike some I know.

[Sabrinus]

I actually wasnt insulting you, but seeing you were lost, I was wondering whether they mistakenly thought you didnt know who you were (Amnesia) . What a strange story.. how frightening.

Hi Edwin, no insult taken at all my friend, and no clue why. Cops were friendly enough, but would not let me leave as I could not show my passport. I explained I can remember the way to the hotel, next to the Chang Mai Institute of Technology, remember it so clear, as I work in IT Telecomms and egineering, but they just told me to wait. Next thing, in a car taken to this awful hospital.

If fact I feel so stupid, if I had just walked around the walled city, for a while I would have got my bearings and found the hotel, instead I saw the police station sign, in English, and thought I would ask them and that was the end of that...

One to right off to travelers experience, but its hard that once in that situation, there is not a 'I am entitled one free call' or 'you have to contact the consulate, tourist translater etc etc' I even had a const list of emergency numbers in my wallet and was told, no.... need passport first, or you pay for the nights stay.

I think thats the big issue in Thailand, great country, lovely people, if you are street wize then be careful etc. But if, only if or perhaps when you happend to be in a sitaution like this, and there is absolutely nothing that can be done unless some comes to get you.

[sportsman69]

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

I could NOT agree with that.

Care to elaborate? It seems relatively unsafe to me, especially for a nooby tourist. I almost hit a motorcyclist opening the taxi door on my first trip into the city from the airport.

I guess you meant kerbside, If so agreed, yeah that's their hi-speed lane !!

[edwinclapham]

I actually wasnt insulting you, but seeing you were lost, I was wondering whether they mistakenly thought you didnt know who you were (Amnesia) . What a strange story.. how frightening.

Hi Edwin, no insult taken at all my friend, and no clue why. Cops were friendly enough, but would not let me leave as I could not show my passport. I explained I can remember the way to the hotel, next to the Chang Mai Institute of Technology, remember it so clear, as I work in IT Telecomms and egineering, but they just told me to wait. Next thing, in a car taken to this awful hospital.

If fact I feel so stupid, if I had just walked around the walled city, for a while I would have got my bearings and found the hotel, instead I saw the police station sign, in English, and thought I would ask them and that was the end of that...

One to right off to travelers experience, but its hard that once in that situation, there is not a 'I am entitled one free call' or 'you have to contact the consulate, tourist translater etc etc' I even had a const list of emergency numbers in my wallet and was told, no.... need passport first, or you pay for the nights stay.

I think thats the big issue in Thailand, great country, lovely people, if you are street wize then be careful etc. But if, only if or perhaps when you happend to be in a sitaution like this, and there is absolutely nothing that can be done unless some comes to get you.

A very healthy attitude to have as well.. and hey you werent sick, so being surrounded by luscious young nurses should have alleviated some of your fears. A great over the dinner story hey! You wont forget something like this in a hurry.

[BarryM]

Whatever the individual merits of this girls story, there's a bigger picture.

Western media is losing it's rose tinted specs when covering the Thai tourist industry. Too many well educated and well travelled people have visited Thailand, lured here by it's carefully crafted pr image.

Many discover the reality falls far short and the more they dig the smellier it all gets. The reaction of the Thai authorities is to cover up and deceive, never to confront the real issue. Journalists really don't like being treated as stooges and react accordingly

Expect to see more stories like this in Europe and the west.

[ttelise]

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...

That would never happen in US. ER and hospitals first treat and will treat regardless. They do lose money treating people without insurance and from overseas, but saving someone's life should be priority. Not money.

[JohnAllan]

I think highly unlikely that any non-government organisation has the legal right to demand, never mind retain, a foreign passport.

[ttelise]

I think highly unlikely that any non-government organisation has the legal right to demand, never mind retain, a foreign passport.

You know, it could be a violation of civil liberties. They are basically making her a prisoner at that Island against her will for a debt.

[Sabrinus]

I think highly unlikely that any non-government organisation has the legal right to demand, never mind retain, a foreign passport.

Its all well and good to have rights, but when you are there, feeling like you have to beg or if you piss someone off you might become one of the 'unknown' its a little different. Also so what for rights, if you are detained as I was, or have your passport taken off you, superman aint gonna burst in to save the day...

[smotherb]

Please people, take your head out of the sand. Do you really think young travelers with little or no money is unusual. How many parents of a traveling 24 year old can do anything about it?

[swillowbee]

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...

That would never happen in US. ER and hospitals first treat and will treat regardless. They do lose money treating people without insurance and from overseas, but saving someone's life should be priority. Not money.

.

... "Not money" ... I love your optimism, ttelise ... I don't know if you live here, and for how long, if you do ... but, Thailand is a nation where Thai's greed is greater than the Thai's Buddha.

[Jimmu]

Passports are not the property of the named holder. It is a condition of being granted a passport that you only hand it over to the relevant authorities in the country of visitation. The passport always remains the property of the country of issue and can be cancelled/recalled for misuse. No-one has the right to hold "your" passport apart from the police or immigration for inspection or further examination.

[ttelise]

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...

That would never happen in US. ER and hospitals first treat and will treat regardless. They do lose money treating people without insurance and from overseas, but saving someone's life should be priority. Not money.

.

... "Not money" ... I love your optimism, ttelise ... I don't know if you live here, and for how long, if you do ... but, Thailand is a nation where Thai's greed is greater than the Thai's Buddha.

Nah, just spend a few months there every year for last 4 years. Truth is, lately been spending more time in Bali to surf and less time in Thaliand to party and chill because of constant BS. Got hung up in Phuket airport deal in 08, went to BKK and than more airport craziness. Seems like I always pick wrong time and places to go there. I keep watching hoping things will chill as I like to chill in Thailand while swell is down in Bali and just make hops when ever swell forecasted. Much easier than hopping to Bali from this side of Pacfic for 3 or 4 day swell, but we do if it looks like double overhead tubes are pos.

[TinoThailand]

Skin lesions, bleeding gums and blue fingernails not come along with eating some undercooked chicken or some cleanser, they wer poisened! Just do the job on a simple investigation please. The climax of more and more tourists will turn soon.

[Mrjlh]

All,

"Mr Uranus" hijacked my old vivitar....so it's not me speaking!

MrJLH

[pomchop]

Very strange that the girl would be so "cautious" to take out a travel insurance policy but then not even have an emergency credit card or ATM card as backup? If she had an ATM card dad can put the money in and she can withdraw it very quickly. I don't know of many/any hospitals that are going to take in a patient without SOME form of payment gurantee....

As an adult traveling thousands of miles from home there are many emergencies that might require a credit card or ATM card. To travel with NO backup is just plain DUMB. To expect a hospital in Thailand or most any other country to provide free medical aide with no guarantee of payment is not much of a plan. I would bet that all over thailand there are hundreds of farangs EVERY day that show up at hospitals with all kinds of injuries and problems. Does anyone really think that all of these hospitals are NOT going to ask for some security that they will get paid? How many farangs would lie through their teeth that oh yeah i will send you the money later?

Maybe all the posters who are blaming the hospital would like to transfer your funds to the hospital to cover her payment? I thought not.

[chiangmaicharlies]

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

ill second that

The whole world is a very dangerous place, let alone Thailand

[ttelise]

Very strange that the girl would be so "cautious" to take out a travel insurance policy but then not even have an emergency credit card or ATM card as backup? If she had an ATM card dad can put the money in and she can withdraw it very quickly. I don't know of many/any hospitals that are going to take in a patient without SOME form of payment gurantee....

As an adult traveling thousands of miles from home there are many emergencies that might require a credit card or ATM card. To travel with NO backup is just plain DUMB. To expect a hospital in Thailand or most any other country to provide free medical aide with no guarantee of payment is not much of a plan. I would bet that all over thailand there are hundreds of farangs EVERY day that show up at hospitals with all kinds of injuries and problems. Does anyone really think that all of these hospitals are NOT going to ask for some security that they will get paid? How many farangs would lie through their teeth that oh yeah i will send you the money later?

Maybe all the posters who are blaming the hospital would like to transfer your funds to the hospital to cover her payment? I thought not.

So what's more imortant, money or life. If a dude was run down by one of those great Thai drivers and left with many broken bones, should the Thai hospital turn him away because he probably does not have enough money on him for the surgeries and long recovery? Herein lies the problem with this country, no one accepts responsibility for anything. The injured victim has little or no hope of recovery from the bad Thai driver.

The girls was served bad food or something by a Thai establishment, why does the Thai establishment not pay? She is young and dumb. That is part of being a kid and traveling when young without a lot of resources. Thailand welcomes and encourages this and she deserves proper medical care.

In US, we get people that are illegal, no jobs, no social secutiry number and no insurance who are injured or having babies all the time. You know, they still get proper and good medical care bacaue some things in life are more important than money. Those that are so greedy to place money ahead of life will never have any money or wealth. Those that are charitable and think about others always seem to prosper.

The thing is, I get stuck (as do many other Americans) for these unpaid medical bills that happen daily with both illegal immigrants and those unfortunate individuals who cannot afford insurance but rerquire medical care. We pay a high price for care and pay taxes to ensure those needing care get it. That is what civilized countries do.

Edited June 20, 2012 by ttelise

[MyFriend You]

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...

I say there's an underworld of Farang Haters that are infusing pillows with cyanide, so when the drunk faring women lay down, they are instantly overcome.............Oooops, wrong decade, wrong forum, apologies, "I''ll have another barman, and hey, have one yourself..........." Not making light of the subject, but it sounds a bit like the Scot lady is a bit light on the intelligence side............I mean, how many of us have overstayed our Insurance Policy before !!!!! I mean really, don't you think its a bit strange she is running around promoting bars & restaurants for more than 90 days??? Hope she makes it home and doesn't come back, if anything for her sake..............

[ttelise]

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...

I say there's an underworld of Farang Haters that are infusing pillows with cyanide, so when the drunk faring women lay down, they are instantly overcome.............Oooops, wrong decade, wrong forum, apologies, "I''ll have another barman, and hey, have one yourself..........." Not making light of the subject, but it sounds a bit like the Scot lady is a bit light on the intelligence side............I mean, how many of us have overstayed our Insurance Policy before !!!!! I mean really, don't you think its a bit strange she is running around promoting bars & restaurants for more than 90 days??? Hope she makes it home and doesn't come back, if anything for her sake..............

Naive for sure, but how many of the TV members have overstayed their VIsas at one time or another. I totally get the insurance thing due to my line of work. No one ever reads their policies and thse that sell these types of policies generaly lack knowledge of the terms and provisions of the contract. She was probably having fun and the opportunity presented itself as a way for to stay longer on limited resources. Nothing wrong with that. Kids back pack all over the world with very little in the way of resources.

[Docno]

So here we have a person who might be the key to figuring out what exactly they were all poisoned with. HMMMM... what shall we do next?

Will I be sued if I insinuate that the hospital may be behind all of this? I dunno.. get a few backpackers/foreigners sick, confiscate their passports (even though they have no right to)... DEMAND payment for bills...

Wow... the conspiratorial thinking on TV seems to know no bounds. The other two unfortunate ladies didn't even make it to hospital, so I guess that knocks your 'theory' out of the water....

[frankiebaby]

Therefore, from what I am reading I never would travel to Thailand again and will lobby all countries to post warnings about travel to Thailand. Sorry, but that's what it has come to.