A 73-year-old man from Scotland is currently in critical condition in a hospital in Thailand, with his family working tirelessly to bring him back to the United Kingdom. Alexander Parker, a former Royal Fleet Auxiliary serviceman who served in various conflict zones, including the Falklands, the Gulf, Bosnia, and Iraq, had been splitting his time between the UK and Thailand where he was employed as a teacher before falling ill five months ago.
Jayne Simpson, Alexander’s daughter, shared that his health issues began with stomach pain and escalated when he collapsed in May and was hospitalized. Initially diagnosed with ulcers on his spleen and liver, he underwent treatment with intravenous antibiotics before being discharged. Concern grew when communication with him ceased in August, prompting his family’s visit to Thailand.
Upon their arrival, they discovered Alexander in a dire state at a local hospital, where he was unconscious and receiving minimal care. Following efforts to transfer him to a better-equipped facility, he was admitted to the King Prajadhipok Memorial Hospital in Chanthaburi and placed in intensive care due to a potentially enlarged spleen affecting his lung.
Despite ongoing treatment, there has been no improvement in Alexander’s condition, leading the family to seek repatriation for him to receive necessary medical care in the UK. However, the high cost of a medical flight and daily treatment expenses are posing financial challenges for the family, exacerbated by the absence of health insurance for Alexander.
Expressing distress over the situation, Jayne highlighted the stark contrast in healthcare systems between Thailand and the UK, where families are more involved in patient care. She emphasized Alexander’s desire to return home for treatment and reunite with his family, appealing for support through a GoFundMe page established to aid in his repatriation.
Efforts have also been made to engage the British Embassy and the Foreign Office for assistance, with local MSP Jackie Baillie expressing concern and pledging support for the family’s endeavors. A GoFundMe campaign has garnered contributions, including support from forces charities, to help alleviate the financial burden and facilitate Alexander’s return to the UK for urgent medical intervention.