A British couple’s dream holiday in Thailand turned into a nightmare after a young soldier, Liam (23), fell 30 feet from a waterfall he discovered on TikTok. The fall left him with a fractured skull, broken leg, and severe facial injuries. His partner, Lucy, clung to him on a narrow ledge for nearly two hours, preventing a further 100-metre fall, until rescuers arrived.
The couple now faces a staggering medical bill of over £100,000 (₹1.13 crore), along with the cost of an emergency medical evacuation back to the UK. Their travel insurance status is unclear, and the hospital has informed them that Liam cannot be discharged until the bill is paid.
Lucy recalled the terrifying moment: “Liam had gone to take photos, and I noticed he was missing. I kept shouting his name until I saw him unconscious on a rock ledge. I couldn’t reach him on my own, but a local Thai boy helped. I had to hold him for hours, wrapping my arms and legs around him to stop him from falling further. His leg bone was sticking out, and part of his skull was visible—it was horrifying.”
Doctors have confirmed that Liam needs multiple surgeries but cannot leave Thailand without paying the full cost. In a desperate plea, Lucy has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the necessary funds.
“This is our last option,” Lucy said. “Please help me get my boyfriend home safely.”
The tragic incident highlights the dangers at the popular tourist spot, where accidents have occurred before. In 2019, two tourists lost their lives after slipping on the same waterfall’s rocks. Despite posted warnings, the site continues to attract social media-driven visitors.
Thailand recently introduced a free insurance scheme for international tourists, covering up to THB 500,000 (₹12 lakh) in case of accidents. However, many travelers remain unaware of the policy, often facing severe financial consequences after accidents.
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