A British family has announced the decision to end active medical treatment for their 20-year-old son after he suffered severe brain injuries in a road accident in Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most visited tourist cities.
Ethan Lacey, from Birmingham in the United Kingdom, was critically injured on May 17 after reportedly falling from the back of a moving pickup truck at a busy intersection in Pattaya, a coastal city popular with international tourists. He was taken to the hospital with multiple brain injuries and placed on life support.
According to family statements shared online, doctors in Thailand informed them that Ethan’s injuries were extremely severe. They were told he would remain permanently bedridden and unable to breathe without medical assistance. After discussions with medical staff, the family agreed to stop active treatment and transfer him to palliative care, which focuses on comfort and pain management for critically ill patients.
In an update posted through a fundraising appeal, the family described the decision as “devastating.” They added that despite treatment being withdrawn, Ethan continued breathing independently and his condition remained stable at the time of the update.
The family had originally launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover mounting hospital expenses after Ethan’s travel insurance reportedly expired shortly before the incident. The fundraiser also aimed to support efforts to return him to the UK for further care.
Relatives are now exploring medical repatriation options, a process involving specialist transport for seriously injured patients. According to the family, estimates for transferring Ethan back to Britain exceed GBP150,000 due to the level of medical support required during travel.
Ethan had travelled to Thailand for a two-month holiday after taking leave from his factory job in Birmingham. He reportedly spent part of the trip travelling with his cousin before visiting Pattaya alone for several days.
Local witnesses told Thai media that Ethan fell from the back of a moving pickup truck while approaching a busy junction. Reports suggest he struck his head on the road surface and may then have been hit by the vehicle. Pickup trucks are commonly used in Thailand for both private transport and informal passenger travel, particularly in tourist areas.
Ethan’s father, Kevin Lacey, said a witness claimed an argument took place before Ethan was allegedly thrown from the vehicle and ended up beneath its rear wheels. The driver reportedly left the scene without stopping. Thai authorities have not publicly confirmed further details of the investigation.
Earlier, the family said doctors had given Ethan only a 30 per cent chance of survival after he suffered three separate brain bleeds. Concern first grew among relatives when he stopped responding to messages for several days, despite having previously been in regular contact.
The case has drawn attention among British travellers and expatriate communities in Thailand, highlighting concerns about road safety, emergency medical costs, and the importance of maintaining valid travel insurance during overseas trips.
Readers can view the earlier report detailing the incident here: British tourist fights for his life after falling from pickup truck in Pattaya
