Tragic Death of London Backpacker in Bangkok After Alleged Drink Spiking
A 38-year-old London man has died while holidaying in Thailand, with his girlfriend claiming she was 'brought back to life' several times after the pair allegedly had their drinks spiked. Tom Pardhy, an events organizer from East London, and his girlfriend Naomi Raksha, 31, were spending six weeks travelling through the southeast Asian country when he collapsed and died suddenly in Bangkok on March 6.
Details of the Incident and Medical Emergency
Naomi's mother, Heather Brown, who has since flown to Thailand to be by her side, said in a Facebook post that the couple "were given spiked drinks in Bangkok". A GoFundMe page set up by Naomi's brother adds that she was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care, intubated and treated for poisoning following a cardiac arrest. Tom was found unresponsive around 24 hours later.
Naomi described the ordeal in a post on her personal account, stating: "On the morning of March 6 in Bangkok, my life changed in a way I never could have imagined. I suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead multiple times before slipping into a coma. By every medical measure, the odds of surviving weren't in my favour - yet somehow, I am still here."
Community Mourning and Family Statements
The 38-year-old events organizer was a well-known figure in London's music scene, working at countless festivals and events during his career. His death was confirmed on March 11 in an Instagram post signed by Naomi, his mum Joanna and sister Alex. "It is with indescribable grief and sadness that we are writing to tell you of the sudden, accidental and unexpected death of our dear Tom in Bangkok last Friday 6th of March," the heartfelt message read.
The family added: "We are keeping what we know about the circumstances of his death within our close family and friends, and ask that any questions about exactly what has happened are not asked here. Please respect our privacy at this time. We are deeply comforted in the knowledge that his last month in Thailand with his love Naomi was truly the happiest of his life."
Girlfriend's Recovery and Emotional Tribute
Naomi, who is understood to have been resuscitated during the ordeal that claimed Tom's life, described him as her "biggest fan" and "rock". "I loved him like I've never loved anything before," she added. She revealed she is currently in a rehabilitation centre to focus on her physical recovery while also receiving treatment for grief, PTSD and trauma.
"He was my best friend, my biggest fan, my rock, my confidant, my teammate - my guy. I loved him like I've never loved anything before and the past six weeks we had together were magic. That's what I'm holding onto to get through this," Naomi wrote.
Ongoing Developments and Official Response
It is believed a cremation will take place for Tom at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok on Thursday (March 19). An FCDO Spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities." The family has requested that well-wishers use the hashtag #TLPLOVE for any posts honouring Tom's life.
