**Desperate family seeks help as Welsh man battles for life in Thai hospital after suspected attack**
A 29-year-old man from Cwmbran, South Wales, faces a fight for survival in a Thai hospital after mysteriously disappearing during a night out in Bangkok. Ashton Jones, who had travelled more than 5,900 miles for an impromptu trip, was later discovered on life support following emergency brain surgery, leaving his family back in Wales stricken by fear and uncertainty.
Jones had embarked on the journey at the end of May, accompanied by a close friend, and upon arrival in Bangkok they were joined by another companion. However, just five days into their holiday, Ashton became separated from his friends while out at a nightclub in the Thai capital. Concerns grew rapidly after he failed to return, prompting his friends to search the area for hours.
The distressing news reached his family when they were informed that Ashton was located not by local authorities, but rather by hospital staff—he had been admitted following what Thai medics believe was a violent attack. Friends and relatives are still in the dark about the events that unfolded before he was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Ashton suffers from epilepsy, which complicates his recovery. His grandmother, Beverley Walker, has been leading the family’s efforts to secure emergency funds and diplomatic support to bring her grandson home, especially as he did not have travel insurance for this trip. Beverley’s distress is palpable: “We are heartbroken and fearful, watching from afar while Ashton suffers without the care he urgently requires,” she explained.
Medical staff at Chonburi Hospital attempted to rouse Ashton from his unconscious state nearly a week after his admission. According to Beverley, although he briefly regained consciousness, Ashton remains bedbound, unable to speak, eat or drink, and experiences frequent seizures. His prognosis remains uncertain—his family remains gravely worried, not just about his recovery but also their ability to bring him back to Wales, where he could receive better aftercare and be with loved ones.
Covering Ashton’s ongoing medical costs and the expense of repatriating him to the UK is beyond the family’s capability. His grandmother lamented that due to the haste of his travel plans, Ashton made the “unthinkable” decision to go abroad without insurance, a move that now leaves the family facing a financial and emotional crisis.
To address the escalating situation, the family has established an online fundraising campaign seeking £50,000 to meet medical expenses and the costs associated with transporting Ashton home. Supporters have so far raised more than £3,000, with over a hundred individuals contributing since the appeal went live. Beverley detailed how the family have already dipped into their life savings to pay for immediate costs such as flights and accommodation as they strive to be by Ashton’s side.
Amid the uncertainty, the family has made a heartfelt plea for donations to support Ashton’s recovery and return. “Any donation, no matter how small, means more to us than words can express,” Beverley publicised. She added that the family’s ordeal is a stark warning about the vital importance of travel insurance, especially when venturing far from home.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed they are aware of the situation, with a spokesperson stating, “We are supporting a British man who has been hospitalised in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.” The family hopes that with enough attention and aid, Ashton can eventually receive the care he needs back in Wales.
The incident throws a harsh spotlight on the vulnerabilities faced by travellers abroad, particularly when unforeseen emergencies arise. As Ashton Jones continues his battle in a Bangkok hospital, his family’s campaign highlights both the power of community support and the precariousness many find themselves in when disaster strikes overseas.
For those wishing to support Ashton and his family during this crisis, details of the fundraising effort can be found online, with the hope that generosity from the public will help bring Ashton home to Wales.