Thai YouTuber surgeon returns after Mali kidnapping
Being kidnapped and ransomed abroad is the stuff of nightmares. So it comes as a relief to hear that a Thai Youtube surgeon was finally freed from his captives in Mali after 25 days. Morsong made it home safely on 25th October 2022 after his ransom of ฿5.5 million (~USD150,000) was paid.
Here’s how the story that gripped the nation unfolded.
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Thai YouTuber was chained up in Mali for 25 days
When Nopparat Rattanawaraha – more commonly known as Morsong (literally Doctor Song)- made an announcement that he would be going to visit countries in South Asia and Northern Africa, no one expected most of his trip to involve being chained up for 25 days. But that’s exactly what happened when he was in Mali.
Image credit: @dr_nopparat
Even though the 49-year-old Thai surgeon was cautious and hired a guide when he arrived in the country on 28th September, he was reported to be missing only one day later after he lost contact with his guide.Â
Image is for illustration purposes only. Image credit: Wouter van Beek
The surgeon’s family quickly informed the local Thai embassy in Senegal that they had lost contact with him.
The nation became gripped with concern about the surgeon’s fate on 22nd October when his ex-wife made a post on social media. Fortunately, local authorities found the unlucky surgeon in Kemparana, a Mali city bordering Burkina Faso.Â
Was forced to pay his own ransom
For context, Mali is well-known for tourist kidnappings to extort ransoms. In January 2021 alone, there were 318 incidents. The ransoms are reportedly used to fund insurrection movements in the country.Â
Image is for illustration purposes only. Image credit: niu niu
Morsong’s ransom was worth ฿5.5 million (~USD150,000) in total. And he was not the only victim. The surgeon was chained up in a forest along with other captives. Some captives had allegedly been there for years as they could not afford to pay the ransom.Â
The kidnappers apparently gave a phone to Morsong to allow him to raise the funds for his release. Luckily for him, a friend of the surgeon loaned him the required amount.Â
Image credit: Matichon
The surgeon safely made it back to Thailand on the 25th of October to warm hugs from his family and colleagues.Â
Image credit: Matichon
Ever the workaholic, the doctor later informed his followers that he was already back at it as a surgeon on 27th October, via his Instagram account.
Image credit: @dr_nopparat
A cautionary tale for adventurers
Adventure and a hint of danger can make life very exciting and fun. But it’s important to make sure to weigh the risks properly.
This surgeon’s tale ended with him safely back home with his loving family but that was only possible because he was able to get a hefty loan from his generous friend. This isn’t an amount that most people would be able to raise, even if all their friends pitched in. Sadly, the poor surgeon’s fellow captives have been held for years without hope of release and we do worry about their fates.
In any case, take note the next time you travel to an exotic place, lest you become the subject of another cautionary tale.
Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): @dr_nopparat, Matichon
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