Pumpuynarak Posted July 19, 2023 Share Posted July 19, 2023 Tragic twist: Aussie teen’s suspicious death in Thailand fuels family’s heartfelt repatriation quest Picture courtesy of Facebook. The heartbroken family of a loving, larger-than-life Australian teenager is currently engaged in a poignant mission to repatriate his body after his suspicious death in Thailand. Daniel Talbot tragically passed away on Sunday while allegedly on Koh Tao, an island located on the eastern side of the Surat Thani coastline. The details surrounding the 19 year old’s death in Thailand remain elusive, leaving his devastated family grappling with grief and working to bring their beloved son back to Australia. Dean Harawira, a former teacher of the teenager, revealed that the family is still seeking more information about the events leading to Talbot’s death. “At this stage, the specifics of his untimely departure are rather vague, and the family is ardently liaising with coroners, insurance providers, and airline companies in their fervent efforts to expedite Daniel’s repatriation to Australia.” Online tributes have flooded in for the Gold Coast teenager, reflecting the impact he had on those around him. Harlem Williams, a close friend, expressed his disbelief, confessing that the reality of Daniel’s death in Thailand has not fully sunk in. “We love you, brother, and it’s unfathomable to accept that you won’t be here to brighten our days. You were boisterous, funny, incredibly intelligent, and a true friend. I’ve always admired your unwavering commitment and determination. Rest easy, my friend.” Another friend, Caleb Upton, lamented he wished he could have spent more time with him. “ You were always the kindest person, a genuine gentleman.” Daniel’s sister, Edyn, changed her profile picture on Sunday to a cherished childhood snapshot of the two siblings together. She pleaded, “Please come home to me.” Daniel was employed at Padlockd Escape Rooms & Bar in Surfers Paradise, Queensland. The establishment released a heartfelt statement acknowledging the loss they have endured. “Daniel was the life of the party, the radiant presence in every room, and the source of laughter for our game masters. We will be closed today to allow our staff time to process this devastating news. We ask for your understanding and patience as we come to terms with this profound loss as a team.” In an effort to support the family with the expenses associated with bringing Daniel back from Thailand and arranging a funeral, Harawira initiated a GoFundMe campaign. “Daniel’s family would be immensely grateful for any financial assistance, regardless of the amount. If you are unable to contribute at this time, we kindly request you to share this fundraiser with your networks.” The response to the fundraiser has been overwhelming, with donations exceeding US$24,000 (822,000 baht) of the US$30,000 goal within just 17 hours of its launch. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade offered their condolences and confirmed that consular assistance is being provided to the Australian family during this difficult time. “The Department extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased Australian. Due to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comments.” Picture of Koh Tao. Home/News/Thailand News/Tragic twist: Aussie teen’s suspicious death in Thailand fuels family’s heartfelt repatriation quest Thailand News Tags Australian death Thailand Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger. Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now. Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines. 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tragic twist: Aussie teen’s suspicious death in Thailand fuels family’s heartfelt repatriation quest Picture courtesy of Facebook. The heartbroken family of a loving, larger-than-life Australian teenager is currently engaged in a poignant mission to repatriate his body after his suspicious death in Thailand. Daniel Talbot tragically passed away on Sunday while allegedly on Koh Tao, an island located on the eastern side of the Surat Thani coastline. The details surrounding the 19 year old’s death in Thailand remain elusive, leaving his devastated family grappling with grief and working to bring their beloved son back to Australia. Dean Harawira, a former teacher of the teenager, revealed that the family is still seeking more information about the events leading to Talbot’s death. “At this stage, the specifics of his untimely departure are rather vague, and the family is ardently liaising with coroners, insurance providers, and airline companies in their fervent efforts to expedite Daniel’s repatriation to Australia.” Online tributes have flooded in for the Gold Coast teenager, reflecting the impact he had on those around him. Harlem Williams, a close friend, expressed his disbelief, confessing that the reality of Daniel’s death in Thailand has not fully sunk in. “We love you, brother, and it’s unfathomable to accept that you won’t be here to brighten our days. You were boisterous, funny, incredibly intelligent, and a true friend. I’ve always admired your unwavering commitment and determination. Rest easy, my friend.” Another friend, Caleb Upton, lamented he wished he could have spent more time with him. “ You were always the kindest person, a genuine gentleman.” Daniel’s sister, Edyn, changed her profile picture on Sunday to a cherished childhood snapshot of the two siblings together. She pleaded, “Please come home to me.” Daniel was employed at Padlockd Escape Rooms & Bar in Surfers Paradise, Queensland. The establishment released a heartfelt statement acknowledging the loss they have endured. “Daniel was the life of the party, the radiant presence in every room, and the source of laughter for our game masters. We will be closed today to allow our staff time to process this devastating news. We ask for your understanding and patience as we come to terms with this profound loss as a team.” In an effort to support the family with the expenses associated with bringing Daniel back from Thailand and arranging a funeral, Harawira initiated a GoFundMe campaign. “Daniel’s family would be immensely grateful for any financial assistance, regardless of the amount. If you are unable to contribute at this time, we kindly request you to share this fundraiser with your networks.” The response to the fundraiser has been overwhelming, with donations exceeding US$24,000 (822,000 baht) of the US$30,000 goal within just 17 hours of its launch. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade offered their condolences and confirmed that consular assistance is being provided to the Australian family during this difficult time. “The Department extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased Australian. Due to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comments.” Picture of Koh Tao. Home/News/Thailand News/Tragic twist: Aussie teen’s suspicious death in Thailand fuels family’s heartfelt repatriation quest Thailand News Tags Australian death Thailand Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger. Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now. Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.
Pumpuynarak Posted July 19, 2023 Author Share Posted July 19, 2023 (edited) Apologies for the lengthy post, my com skills are not what they could be. RIP to the poor lad and condolences to his family and friends Edited July 19, 2023 by Pumpuynarak 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krapow Posted July 19, 2023 Share Posted July 19, 2023 Not for me, Ronnie! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stillearly Posted July 19, 2023 Share Posted July 19, 2023 Death island definitely one place to avoid in Thailand 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumpuynarak Posted July 19, 2023 Author Share Posted July 19, 2023 13 hours ago, Krapow said: Not for me, Ronnie! Agreed, you would never get me on death island but it has some excellent scuba diving 😁 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golfingboy Posted July 19, 2023 Share Posted July 19, 2023 I know the place is popular due to the diving and scenery…..but what are the odds of dying especially as a young person, per capita/visits compared to anywhere else in the Kingdom? Has to be 1,000% higher, or more….. Why put yourself anywhere near that place when you can choose 100 other spots to have your vacation? There is something very crooked there, even by Thai standards. Have heard there is an “enforcer” who has killed/stabbed foreigners for no reason with impunity….why the hell anyone still goes near this island is beyond me 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumpuynarak Posted July 19, 2023 Author Share Posted July 19, 2023 37 minutes ago, Golfingboy said: I know the place is popular due to the diving and scenery…..but what are the odds of dying especially as a young person, per capita/visits compared to anywhere else in the Kingdom? Has to be 1,000% higher, or more….. Why put yourself anywhere near that place when you can choose 100 other spots to have your vacation? There is something very crooked there, even by Thai standards. Have heard there is an “enforcer” who has killed/stabbed foreigners for no reason with impunity….why the hell anyone still goes near this island is beyond me BINGO, they obviously have'nt any knowledge of the islands adverse reputation. I had a friends son from the UK staying with me for a few days before going off the Koh Tao scuba diving, he knew nothing of the islands rep 🙄 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golfingboy Posted July 19, 2023 Share Posted July 19, 2023 13 minutes ago, Pumpuynarak said: BINGO, they obviously have'nt any knowledge of the islands adverse reputation. I had a friends son from the UK staying with me for a few days before going off the Koh Tao scuba diving, he knew nothing of the islands rep 🙄 I’m on Reddit a bit, that or Twitter is great for discussions/opinions. Just looked at a thread on Koh Tao, looks like all of the young tourists, male AND female, praise the area & say all the stories are exaggerated. They say as long as you don’t “look for trouble or wander off”, you will be fine. OK, but still , what are the % odds of say, a drunk tourist losing his life anywhere else under similar circumstances? It’s a tiny spot that has seen, what, at least a dozen suspicious deaths of youngsters ? If we pro-rate that to Bangkok or CM’s tourist arrivals, we’d have 1000’s of tourists dead from something either than suicide…..I’m sure THAT would stir up the BBC and CNN Nope, I will see Samui or Phuket one day, Krabi too….but will give Death Island a miss, don’t care how beautiful it is 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumpuynarak Posted July 20, 2023 Author Share Posted July 20, 2023 13 minutes ago, Golfingboy said: I’m on Reddit a bit, that or Twitter is great for discussions/opinions. Just looked at a thread on Koh Tao, looks like all of the young tourists, male AND female, praise the area & say all the stories are exaggerated. They say as long as you don’t “look for trouble or wander off”, you will be fine. OK, but still , what are the % odds of say, a drunk tourist losing his life anywhere else under similar circumstances? It’s a tiny spot that has seen, what, at least a dozen suspicious deaths of youngsters ? If we pro-rate that to Bangkok or CM’s tourist arrivals, we’d have 1000’s of tourists dead from something either than suicide…..I’m sure THAT would stir up the BBC and CNN Nope, I will see Samui or Phuket one day, Krabi too….but will give Death Island a miss, don’t care how beautiful it is But sometimes trouble comes looking for you....... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golfingboy Posted July 20, 2023 Share Posted July 20, 2023 11 minutes ago, Pumpuynarak said: But sometimes trouble comes looking for you....... Yes, as much as most Thais love sanouk and a drink, their patience only goes so far, and you’ll never convince me any guy involved in nightlife doesn’t enjoy kicking the shite out a foreigner of given the chance. Coming from the West, kicking a man in the head ten on one……I’ll just never agree with that, even if he “asked for it”. Was a thread here about a Russian sucker-punching a bar owner…..well how many more farang have suffered worse? Kind of scary this place has a violent, well-connected man that can just do what he wants with no fear of payback…I don’t know, I’m getting too old to run away, someone pulls a blade on my arse, I’m not going to just stand there and let him stick me 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazarus Posted July 20, 2023 Share Posted July 20, 2023 18 minutes ago, Pumpuynarak said: But sometimes trouble comes looking for you....... Good thing there's not any tall condos on Koh Tao... . . . 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golfingboy Posted July 20, 2023 Share Posted July 20, 2023 2 minutes ago, lazarus said: Good thing there's not any tall condos on Koh Tao... . . . Any trees? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumpuynarak Posted July 20, 2023 Author Share Posted July 20, 2023 6 minutes ago, Golfingboy said: Yes, as much as most Thais love sanouk and a drink, their patience only goes so far, and you’ll never convince me any guy involved in nightlife doesn’t enjoy kicking the shite out a foreigner of given the chance. Coming from the West, kicking a man in the head ten on one……I’ll just never agree with that, even if he “asked for it”. Was a thread here about a Russian sucker-punching a bar owner…..well how many more farang have suffered worse? Kind of scary this place has a violent, well-connected man that can just do what he wants with no fear of payback…I don’t know, I’m getting too old to run away, someone pulls a blade on my arse, I’m not going to just stand there and let him stick me In my 17 years living here i have to say that i find Thais in the main to be very tolerant people but when they lose it look out, anything is on the agenda. As for the 10 on 1 scenario yes they just demonstrate what massive cowards they are, total scumbags imo KT is quite unique in what it would appear is going on there, i'll say no more lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yessongs Posted July 20, 2023 Share Posted July 20, 2023 Yep, just talked to wifey about this place, we have never discussed this island at all right? She just told me "You have to be careful there, alot of crime and violence for some reason" Sad day for this young guy and his parents and friends..hope they find the dirtbag who did this. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pillow Biter Posted July 21, 2023 Share Posted July 21, 2023 Family better stay on top of it . Official line will be accident and whoops we cremated the body . Tidy's things up 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunder367 Posted July 21, 2023 Share Posted July 21, 2023 i went there to do my final dive course as the instructor i used had moved out there.was good diving but not much nightlife most places was shut by 10pm.also found out there is only one police officer on the island for all the crime.only time the top guys turn up is when something like this happens.otherwise if if just something minor slip him a few baht or botle of thai whiskey and u ok. also a lo of the people who live there know who did it like the last 2 brits who got murdered out there.but know onewill say anything as they as they be on the list to be done over as its all tp do with thai mafia.thats why the 2 they arrested and sentenced got done for it.even though the evidence fully proved they had no involvement with it at all.just used as scape goats. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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