A British tourist has tragically died while on holiday in Bangkok, Thailand, leaving his family and friends in shock. Tom Pardhy, a 38-year-old event promoter from East London, passed away on March 6 while spending time with his girlfriend, Naomi Raksha, 31. His family shared the news of his death on his Instagram account on March 11, describing it as “accidental and unexpected.”
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The circumstances surrounding Pardhy’s death have raised concerns, particularly regarding a potential drink spiking incident. According to reports, Raksha was hospitalized after both she and Pardhy allegedly consumed spiked drinks during their trip. Jonathan Raksha, Naomi’s brother, has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with medical expenses. He revealed that Naomi was admitted to the intensive care unit on the same day that Tom was discovered unresponsive.
Naomi’s mother, Heather Brown, has since travelled to Thailand to support her daughter during this difficult time. In a now-deleted Facebook post, Brown stated that both Naomi and Tom were victims of an apparent drink spiking, further adding to the tragedy of the situation. Naomi herself shared her harrowing experience on social media, recounting that she “died multiple times” after slipping into a coma and suffering cardiac arrest. Currently receiving care in a Bangkok hospital, she expressed gratitude for having been given a second chance at life, albeit overshadowed by immense grief for her partner.
Tom’s family have described him as a “beacon of light” within their community. Pardhy was well-known for his work in the events industry, and many described him as an integral part of the local festival and yoga communities. In a heartfelt tribute shared online, his loved ones noted that his last month in Thailand, spent alongside Naomi, represented some of the happiest times of his life.
A statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that they are in touch with local authorities and providing support to Tom’s family during this challenging time. As of now, the exact cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
Naomi shared her grief on social media, stating, “I am beyond grateful to have been given another chance at life … but that gratitude exists alongside profound grief, guilt and remorse.” In her emotional post, she reflected on their time together, calling it “magic” and describing her love for Tom as unparalleled.
Pardhy’s family has requested privacy while they mourn and navigate the aftermath of his passing. They have emphasised that any inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death should be directed away from public forums. The family’s statement made clear the deep sense of loss felt by all who knew him.
In the days following this tragic event, various news outlets have sought comments from the local Thai police regarding the investigation into its circumstances. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for Pardhy’s cremation, which is scheduled to take place on March 19.
This incident has sparked conversations about the safety of tourists and the risks posed by drink spiking in popular travel destinations. As friends and family reflect on Tom’s life and the joyous moments he shared with loved ones, the need for vigilance and awareness in similar situations remains paramount for travellers.
As the investigation continues, communities both in London and Bangkok will remember Tom Pardhy not just for his work and influence in the events sector, but as someone who brought light into the lives of those around him.