Rest in peace, Garf

[bapak]

I am putting this item in the Education Forum as the subject relates to a teacher who was well-known to me and taught in the Petchaburi and Hua Hin area for several years. And there is a lesson here for all of us...

Gareth Evans or more commonly known as Garf, died in a Bangkok Hospital yesterday. Sure, Garf was seriously ill but his demise was much hastened by the neglect of Kasem Bundit University, the U.K. Embassy, and by various Thai authorities.

Without going into details about this, better to read http://photo-journ.com/2012/get-me-out- ... z1qIoiTw72 and http://photo-journ.com/2012/get-me-out- ... z1qIoiTw72

This is a shocking situation of neglect by not only Kasem Bundit but also by both Thai and UK authorities.

It is not the first time that I have been told of employers deducting for Social Security but failing to pay in to SS.

Rest in peace, Garf... I pray that that you get more attention in the following months then you got in the past few weeks.

[richard]

Awful. Just bloody awful

The British Government, Thai British Embassy should be ashamed of themselves

Someone should be able to hit the UK press with this surely. I would if I knew how

[dtaai-maai]

Gareth Davies.

A very sad story that does not reflect well on Thailand. This really should not have been allowed to happen. I worked with him a few years ago.
He deserved much better.

[ste860]

rip garf thats shocking ,i knew him quite well ,i hope his family can get some justice out of the university

[JW]

Very sad and shocking story, thoughts are with family, friends and students.

[Vital Spark]

What a truly sad way to spend the last days of your life.

Both Mr.VS and I knew Gareth when he worked with us at the university. I had heard that he was in hospital, but had no idea how ill he was. The photo is quite shocking, and the attention, or lack of it, he received in hospital was deplorable. The Kasem Bundit University should be ashamed of themselves, along with other organisations who knew of his plight, but did nothing to make his last few weeks (months?) comfortable.

VS

[Gail]

I am truly saddened to hear of Garth's death, I spoke to him at the weekend and he sounded so happy and optimistic that he was being moved to a new hospital. May he rest in peace he was one of the few Farangs in Thailand that I have met who it was a pleasure to spend time talking to. He will be sadly missed

[Spitfire]

I read this story too, and even though I didn't know the man, it's a disgrace that it could have been allowed to happen in such a fashion. The sheer heartlessness and cynicism of the university in Bangkok is breathtaking and criminal. The British Embassy should be ashamed of itself for such an indifferent approach and the smug 'matter-of-fact' callousness of it's explanation and reply.

They have all been exposed for the true indifference they really harbour.

[JW]

and obviously the University wont even get a slapped hand.....

[dom77]

Thats the Brittish Embassy - useless. Thank god I have dual nationality with another country -

[Takiap]

Absolutely disgusting, and Thailand as a country, should hang their heads in shame, as should the UK authorities.


I seriously doubt Gareth was the first such victim, and I certainly don't doubt he'll not be the last either. It's such a pity that stories like this can't be broadcast to an international audience, so that the world can see ............................


I'll rather shut up because this sort of thing really gets my blood boiling.


RIP Gareth

[JimmyGreaves]

Thought I'd inform a few newspapers especially his hometown, Leicester.

Got a reply saying they were already covering the story:

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/s ... n=dateDesc

RIP Garf.

[Dr Michael]

Very disturbing but NOT surprising.
Some lessons.
The British Embassy like ALL embassies do not feel that this type of situation is their problem.
They have NO budget for health care assistance or transportation to country of origin.

I think that ex-pats of British or Commonwealth have a core belief that anybody, irregardless of ability to pay has the right to basic HC. This idea is not shared by most other countries, not even US.
Everybody needs a buddy or buddies who can help them when in crisis situations

[Spitfire]

Yes, Doc Mike, but they are quite happy to defend the rights of those that espouse violence/intolerance within the UK and people that have little legitimate claims to the laws within the UK that happen to have somehow magically materialized there somehow.

Most of the retired expats here have 'paid their dues' over many years and deserve the best service that the embassy can offer. However, the British Embassy has been reduced to faceless officials with no latitude that hide behind post office boxes in another country.

I could go on, but it wouldn't be conducive to a mainstream forum like this one.

[Roel]

With all due respect Spitfire: firstly the situation WITHIN the UK is completely irrelevant. Secondly you do not build up any RIGHTS regarding embassy services abroad by paying your taxes in your home country. It amazes me really how people -of all nationalities by the way- automatically assume that their embassy is obliged to help them.

I can understand your frustration and rightfully you say that people that have 'paid their dues' DESERVE the best service that the embassy can offer. But it really puzzles me to what extend people assume that their respective embassies can wave a magic wand and get you out of jail, out of hospital, out of trouble, back home, just like that.

Certainly we all agree this is a very sad case and I like to offer my condolences to Garf's loved ones.

That Garf's employer did not pay for his medical insurance is of course a disgrace but unfortunately quite common. I speak from personal experience. It happens also with Thai employees all the time. Who is going to ask his employer for proof that everything is actually paid for? You will find out eventually, when it is too late.