Bristol restaurateur critically injured in Thai motorbike crash

In Thailand, a restaurant owner has unfortunately been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, leaving him with severe injuries and in critical condition. The incident has garnered widespread attention, with many offering prayers for his speedy recovery and hoping for the best possible outcome.

The 39-year-old man, named Ricky Eury, is from Hanham, Bristol, in the UK. The accident occurred in Phuket while he was crossing the road and was struck by a motorcycle, resulting in severe head injuries, a broken nose, and fractured ribs. Mr. Eury is a keen Muay Thai enthusiast who traveled to Thailand for training, as well as to seek new inspiration and ingredients for his two restaurants in Bristol, named Gorilla Thai Kitchen.

Following the accident, Mr. Eury's family is facing substantial medical expenses. To help them cope with this difficult situation, his friends have launched a fundraising campaign. Remarkably, in just a few days, the fundraising amount has exceeded £20,000. His friend, Solomon Wilkinson, expressed that seeing so many friends, and even strangers, reaching out to help is truly heartwarming and demonstrates the power of community support.

Mr. Wilkinson told the BBC that he initiated the fundraising campaign to alleviate the pressure on Mr. Eury's family. After the accident on Saturday, Mr. Eury's family immediately traveled to Thailand, unsure if he would survive until their arrival. Mr. Wilkinson also revealed that they had already received a medical bill of approximately £10,000 on Monday, and they anticipate new bills being generated daily. Although Mr. Eury's condition has slightly improved and he has regained consciousness, he still requires deep sedation, and due to his head injuries, he is unable to communicate fully with his family and friends.

Because Mr. Eury is unable to communicate effectively, his family is currently unable to obtain information about any insurance he may have, which means they may have to bear the full cost of his medical treatment themselves. Mr. Wilkinson stated that this incident raises broader concerns about safety when traveling far from home. He emphasized that people never know what might happen, so it's crucial to ensure that loved ones are aware of one's plan for dealing with emergencies and to have necessary precautions in place.