UK expats in Pattaya urged to register with British Embassy Bangkok as consular cases rise sharply. Senior consul warns of ageing retirees needing support, insurance gaps and a surge in drug arrests risking severe penalties. Stay informed, get prepared!
A senior UK diplomat warned Tuesday that ageing British expats in Pattaya urgently need more consular support. This alert comes as George Barrie prepares to take up the role of honorary consul in the city. Speaking to a crowd of UK expats, businesspeople and media, senior consul Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin hit home key issues. She stressed the need for Brits to get their wills in order and secure proper insurance while living in Thailand. She also sounded the alarm on a surge in arrests of British nationals caught trying to smuggle cannabis back to the UK and Europe. The consequences, she warned, can be severe and long-lasting. Finally, she demanded that UK residents in Pattaya register with the embassy in Bangkok. Only then can they stay informed and avoid unnecessary trouble. The message is clear: get prepared or face the fallout.
The British Embassy in Bangkok has issued a clear warning to UK nationals living in Pattaya. At a recent reception held at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in the resort city, Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin, the senior consul responsible for consular affairs, spoke directly to British expatriates, assorted guests and officials. She delivered a stark message: the number of British nationals needing embassy assistance is rising sharply.
To begin, Finnamore-Crorkin introduced George Barrie as the incoming honorary consul for Pattaya. His official appointment is still pending.
Once confirmed, Barrie will support the embassy by handling consular emergencies locally. The appointment comes as the demand for assistance grows steadily.
Ageing British expat population drives surge in welfare cases and urgent calls for legal preparation
According to the consul, one key driver of the increase in welfare cases is the ageing British expat population. Many retirees face health problems, financial challenges or isolation.
Consequently, embassy staff are seeing more urgent welfare cases than in previous years. Therefore, she strongly urged expats to prepare properly for the future. This includes making sure their wills are up to date and legally valid.
Moreover, she encouraged all British nationals to register for updated travel advice. Doing so helps ensure they receive timely alerts about any changes in local laws or risks. This is particularly important in Thailand, where regulations can differ significantly from those in the UK.
Finnamore-Crorkin also highlighted the rise in traffic accidents, especially those involving motorbikes. Sadly, many of these accidents involve British residents or visitors who lack comprehensive insurance. She warned that many still ride without valid coverage or helmets.
As a result, victims often face costly medical bills and legal complications. Hence, the consul emphasised the urgent need for all Brits in Thailand to check and upgrade their insurance policies.
Many British expats unaware their travel insurance may not cover extended stays in Thailand, risking hardship
Furthermore, she pointed out that long-term UK travel insurance often does not cover extended stays in Thailand. Consequently, many are unknowingly uninsured when accidents occur. This gap leaves them vulnerable to financial hardship. Therefore, Finnamore-Crorkin urged expatriates to research and purchase suitable insurance for their entire stay.
Another pressing concern is the growing number of drug-related arrests involving British visitors. The consul specifically mentioned cases where holidaymakers are detained for attempting to export cannabis from Thailand.
Despite recent legal changes allowing limited cannabis use within Thailand, export remains illegal. Indeed, cannabis is still classified as a “controlled herb.” Thus, anyone caught trying to take it abroad faces severe penalties.
She further explained that those arrested in other countries, such as airport authorities in the UK or elsewhere, can face very long prison sentences. Therefore, she urged British tourists to exercise extreme caution. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office frequently reminds travellers of these risks. However, despite warnings, many continue to make risky decisions that could jeopardise their freedom.
Embassy struggles with fragmented agencies to resolve traffic incidents, praises British community in Pattaya
Finnamore-Crorkin also described the complex nature of handling road traffic incidents in Thailand. Unlike the UK, no single government agency manages traffic accidents here. As a result, the embassy must liaise with multiple organisations, including police, immigration, hospitals, tourist authorities, and provincial governors.
This fragmented system often slows down case resolutions and complicates assistance efforts. Therefore, the embassy depends heavily on the cooperation of many Thai agencies.
Moreover, the consul expressed deep gratitude to the local British community in Pattaya. She praised ex-servicemen’s organisations, community groups, and British-owned businesses. Their voluntary support plays a vital role in helping embassy staff assist those in need. Without their involvement, managing the rising number of consular cases would be far more difficult.
On a more positive note, Finnamore-Crorkin highlighted the upcoming 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Thailand. The milestone marks the signing of the Bowring Treaty in 1855.
She described this as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries. This relationship spans trade, investment, education, tourism and royal connections. In addition, both nations cooperate closely on security and prosperity.
British nationals urged to stay informed and prepared to reduce consular emergencies and respect local laws fully
Looking forward, the consul encouraged British nationals in Thailand to stay informed and proactive. She stressed that many consular emergencies can be avoided with better preparation.
For example, carrying copies of important documents and knowing emergency contact numbers can make a huge difference. She also urged residents to respect local laws, especially those related to drugs and road safety. Misunderstanding these laws can have serious consequences.
Scots woman critical of British Embassy as the family raise funds to bring her father back home
Fury as British Embassy in Ploenchit bulldozed – sold to the Central Group for nearly ฿16 billion in record deal
UK Embassy in Bangkok makes contingency plans to help stranded British nationals get flights home
Pattaya police trying to find out how UK man Michael Ward had a .38 revolver in Russian Roulette tragedy
Finally, the embassy plans to increase outreach efforts in Pattaya. Upcoming initiatives include information sessions and public safety campaigns. These aim to educate British nationals and reduce avoidable risks. Finnamore-Crorkin concluded by reminding everyone: the embassy is ready to help, but prevention is always better than cure.
In summary, as more British expatriates settle in Pattaya, embassy assistance demands will only grow. Therefore, all UK nationals should take personal responsibility seriously. By staying informed, insured and legally prepared, they can protect themselves and their families from hardship.
For continuous updates, British citizens living in or visiting Thailand should register for the FCDO’s travel advice.
Join the Thai News forum, follow Thai Examiner on Facebook here
Receive all our stories as they come out on Telegram here
Follow Thai Examiner here
Further reading:
Body of crazed German man who refused to take his meds but instead smoked cannabis, found at home
Loony pot-smoking German who terrorises dentist clinics on the run in Nakhon Ratchasima. Arrested
29-year-old Indian tourist jumped to his death in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area. Cannabis found in room
Road rage caused a marijuana dealer to fatally stab a Burmese painter in Bangkok on Sunday night
Marijuana use is linked to a tragic murder-suicide case in Nakhon Si Thammarat on Monday morning
