British Tourist in Thai Hospital Faces Huge Medical Bill After Secondary Infection Erupts
A 69-year-old British woman is stranded in a Thai hospital, suffering from a massive open wound on her neck after a severe secondary infection erupted due to tonsillitis.
🔹 Pamela Gatehouse and her husband, John, 71, traveled to Bangkok to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this month.
🔹 Their plans took a tragic turn after Pamela contracted tonsillitis while in India, which later developed into a life-threatening condition.
🔹 The infection burst open, leaving a gaping wound from her breast to her shoulder, which John described as being “frying pan-sized.”
Desperate Battle to Save Pamela’s Life
Pamela has already undergone four surgeries to remove dead flesh and skin, along with vacuum treatments to speed up healing. Each additional treatment costs £4,500, bringing their total medical bill to over £33,300 so far.
🚨 Upcoming medical expenses:
- Four more vacuum treatments: £18,000
- Potential total hospital bill: £51,300
- Commercial flight home (if deemed fit to fly): £42,500
- Private air ambulance (if required): £140,000
➡️ The couple is now facing a total cost of at least £75,800 to return home – or up to £173,300 if a private air ambulance is needed.
A Fight Against Time and Financial Ruin
John has already maxed out their credit cards to pay for Pamela’s urgent surgeries, but they are running out of funds.
💬 “I never thought that on our 50th wedding anniversary, she would be in hospital and I would be in limbo. It’s devastating,” said John.
Adding to the medical crisis, Pamela suffers from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which complicates her surgeries.
💬 “She has a rare blood type, O-negative, which is uncommon in Thailand. If she bleeds out, there may not be blood available to save her life,” John added.
Concerns Over Medical Costs and Treatment
John also expressed concern over pricing disparities between Thai citizens and foreign patients.
💬 “Hospitals here have a rate for Thai people and a rate for tourists. They assume foreigners are more affluent. I don’t know if they will treat her or just let her die if we can’t pay.”
A Plea for Help
The couple now faces an uncertain future with no financial resources left. They are desperate for help from charities, embassies, or the British government to secure funds for Pamela’s remaining treatments and medical evacuation back home.
Would you like me to include resources for medical crowdfunding, embassy contact details, or ways for people to help?
