Gibraltarian Former Soldier Attacked, Robbed, Drugged And Detained In Thailand

The family of a British expat former soldier are begging for assistance after he was arrested whilst in hospital in Thailand.

Former Royal Gibraltar Regiment lance-corporal Adam Williams had been holidaying in Thailand with a group of friends when he was robbed, hospitalised and later arrested by Royal Thai police. He’s been living in Spain for some 12 years, with his family in Cadiz now saying he’s suffered a nervous breakdown as a result of his experiences and needs to come home as soon as possible.

He’d saved for year in order to take a holiday in celebration of the end of his military service on Gibraltar. According to an appeal by his family, Williams had enjoyed his time in Thailand as the last part of his trip, during which he’d travelled to Malta, Sicily and Italy before flying to Thailand to meet up with his friends. When his mates decided to go home for Christmas, he stayed on by himself.

Shortly afterwards, he was attacked and robbed by a gang. The police arrived and took him to hospital for treatment of his injuries, but arrested him once he’d been admitted. His assailants weren’t caught, and no reason was given by the police for his incarceration. Apparently, since New Year’s Eve he’s been drugged and shackled to a hospital bed with no idea why he’s there, although the UK Foreign Office has now intervened on his behalf.

He’s believed to have had a mental breakdown due to his appalling treatment, and the Thai medical services at the hospital have quoted his family £20,000 for repatriation, sparking the family’s appeal for help. It’s not unusual for British tourists to fall victim to violent attacks in Thailand, and most hospitals won’t let expat patients leave unless their bills have been paid.