British Events Organiser Dies, Girlfriend Hospitalised Following Spiked Drinks Incident in Thailand

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 travelling around 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 has not been officially disclosed, but his family described it as "sudden, accidental and unexpected." Naomi's mother, Heather Brown, who is now in Thailand to support her daughter, posted on Facebook that the couple "were given spiked drinks in Bangkok." She detailed how Naomi was "rushed" to hospital in a blue tuk-tuk, a common mode of transport in the city.

A GoFundMe page set up by Naomi's celebrity jeweller brother, Jonathan, outlined that Naomi had been "intubated in ICU due to poisoning and in recovery from a subsequent cardiac arrest." The post noted that "roughly 24 hours later" they learned her "loving boyfriend Tom was found unresponsive." His death was confirmed on March 11 following an Instagram post signed by his mother, Joanna, sister, Alex, and Naomi. The UK's Foreign Office has also confirmed the death. Tom was a well-known figure in London's music industry, working at festivals and events across the city.

The family's Instagram 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. We know this will come as a terrible shock to all his many friends. He was an absolute beacon of light in his East London community and beyond… From the festival circuit, to his beloved yoga community, we know he will be dearly missed by so many." The post also requested privacy regarding the circumstances of his death, urging the public not to ask questions about the incident.

Naomi later posted separately on social media, describing Tom as her "best friend" and "rock." She revealed she had "died multiple times" before being brought back to life and "slipping into a coma." Naomi disclosed she is currently in a "rehabilitation centre" receiving treatment for grief, PTSD, and trauma. Her post read: "On the morning of March 6 in Bangkok, my life changed in a way I never could have imagined. I suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead multiple times before slipping into a coma. By every medical measure, the odds of surviving weren't in my favour—yet somehow, I am still here."

The incident has reignited discussions about drink-spiking incidents in Thailand, where such crimes are often underreported. Local authorities have faced criticism for slow responses to similar cases. Naomi's family has urged the public to use the hashtag #TLPLOVE when sharing tributes to Tom, while also calling for greater awareness about the risks of drink-spiking abroad. The case is now being investigated by Thai police, with the UK's Foreign Office providing support to the family.

Tom's death has left a profound impact on his community, particularly in London's music and yoga circles, where he was widely admired. Friends and colleagues have expressed shock, describing him as a "beacon of light" and a "kind-hearted" individual who brought people together through his work. Naomi, still recovering physically and emotionally, has vowed to honor Tom's memory by focusing on her own healing and advocacy for victims of similar incidents. The tragedy has sparked calls for stricter regulations on drink safety in tourist hotspots, with some organisations pushing for mandatory training for staff in bars and nightclubs.

As the investigation continues, the couple's story has become a focal point for debates about personal safety, cultural awareness, and the role of governments in protecting citizens overseas. For now, the family remains in Thailand, grappling with the aftermath of a tragedy that has left a lasting mark on their lives and the broader community.

The news of Tom's passing has sent shockwaves through his community, leaving many grappling with the sudden loss of a man described by friends as a "kindness beacon" in an often chaotic world. "I'm currently too overwhelmed to respond to all the messages, but your kindness means the world to me," one close friend wrote on social media, their words echoing the grief felt by many. Others have taken to platforms like Instagram and Twitter to share tributes, with one post reading, "Tom's laughter was contagious. His presence made every room brighter. We'll miss him dearly."

What does it say about a person when their death prompts such an outpouring of love from strangers and colleagues alike? Tom, it seems, was more than just a name on a festival lineup or a face in the events industry. His cremation is set to take place this Thursday at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, a fitting tribute to the man who balanced his professional life with a deep spiritual practice. Friends speculate that the choice of venue reflects his commitment to mindfulness, a trait that permeated every aspect of his life.

For over a decade, Tom carved out a career in the events sector, managing stages at some of the most iconic festivals in the world. From Kala to Houghton, from Hideout to Dimensions, his name became synonymous with excellence in curation and execution. "He had this rare ability to make every festival feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said a former colleague who worked with him at Corsica Studios. "You'd walk into a stage he managed, and you just knew it was going to be something special." His influence extended beyond the physical space of events; he was also instrumental in the marketing strategies behind Corsica Studios, a venue that has become a cornerstone of the UK's electronic music scene.

But Tom's contributions didn't end there. He cofounded his own events company, We Concur, a venture that allowed him to bring his vision to life on his own terms. "He was always about collaboration," said a partner in the company. "We Concur wasn't just a business—it was a community. Everyone who worked with him felt like they were part of something bigger."

Outside of music, Tom's passions extended into the realms of personal development and wellness. He was an accredited life coach, a role he took seriously, often mentoring young professionals navigating the complexities of career and identity. "He had this way of making you feel seen," said one mentee, who described Tom as "a quiet force of nature." He was also a dedicated yoga instructor, teaching classes that blended physical rigor with philosophical depth. "His classes weren't just about poses," another student recalled. "They were about finding peace in the chaos of everyday life."

The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed it is supporting Tom's family following his death in Thailand. A spokesperson said, "We are in contact with local authorities and providing consular assistance to the family of a British national who has passed away." The FCDO's involvement underscores the international reach of Tom's life, though details about the circumstances of his death remain unclear. Thai police have been approached for comment, but as of now, no official statement has been released.

As the world mourns Tom, questions linger about the legacy he leaves behind. Was he a man who lived fully, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of passion and purpose? Or was he simply one of those rare individuals who made everyone around them feel like they were part of something greater? The answers may never be fully known, but one thing is certain: Tom's story will not be forgotten.