Koh Samui/Surat Thani —
A British tourist is fighting for his recovery after suffering a severe fall at the Na Muang 2 Waterfall, on Samui Island. The accident, which occurred on April 12th last month, has left Liam Gibson, a 21-year-old soldier from the UK, facing extensive medical treatment with mounting costs exceeding £100,000 (approximately 4.3 million baht).
Gibson was visiting Thailand for a holiday with his girlfriend, Lucy Baldwin, 20, when the incident took place. While posing for photos at the waterfall’s viewpoint—he reportedly lost his footing and plunged from a height of 9 meters (30 feet). The fall left him unconscious for two hours, suffering a fractured femur, skull fractures, and multiple facial fractures.
Emergency responders rushed him to a hospital, where he has since remained under intensive care. Baldwin, devastated by the ordeal, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Gibson’s medical expenses and an air ambulance transport back to the UK for further surgery.
“This is the worst experience of my life,” Baldwin expressed, recalling the moment she found her boyfriend lying motionless on jagged rocks, his body covered in blood. “I called out for him, but there was no response. It was terrifying.”
The effort has already gathered over £30,000, with supporters rallying to help Gibson return home for the treatment he urgently needs. Baldwin clarified that fundraising was their last resort, as the hospital bill has reached an unmanageable sum, and his repatriation requires specialized medical transport.
“He can’t leave the hospital until this bill is paid. Please help me bring him home so he can receive the surgery he needs,” she pleaded on the donation page.
Gibson’s family has expressed gratitude for the generosity of those contributing and is currently coordinating with insurance providers to resolve the financial challenges.
Na Muang 2 Waterfall, nestled within Koh Samui’s lush landscape, is a well-known tourist attraction. However, accidents occasionally highlight the risks associated with slippery rock surfaces and the lack of safety barriers in certain areas.
As Gibson continues to recover, his loved ones hope to secure enough funds for his return, emphasizing the importance of travel insurance and caution in high-risk locations.
