A 21-year-old British tourist has been reported missing in Thailand after he failed to show up for his scheduled flight home, sparking a desperate international search by his family and authorities.
Family's Desperate Search for Joshua
Joshua Kershaw, from Grimsby, arrived in Thailand alone on Monday, 12th January 2026. His family have stated they have had no contact with him since his arrival. The alarm was raised when the young man did not board his planned flight out of Bangkok, which was scheduled for Saturday, 17th January.
It is believed Joshua had been travelling in the popular coastal resort city of Pattaya. His heartbroken mother, Jenny Kershaw, has posted emotional appeals on social media, pleading for anyone with information to come forward. In a Facebook post, she wrote: "Just hoping he's on a bender some were lost track of time and walks threw my door with a big smile on his face."
Authorities Mobilised in Thailand and UK
The family has contacted both local and border police in Thailand, as well as the British Embassy in Bangkok. The Tourist Police in Thailand have been informed and are now working to trace Joshua's movements since he entered the country.
They are coordinating efforts to piece together his last known whereabouts and are appealing to the public for any sightings or information that could lead to finding him. The case highlights the challenges faced when a traveller disappears abroad, requiring close cooperation between foreign police forces and diplomatic services.
Second British Tourist Incident in a Week
This worrying disappearance follows another incident involving a British national in Thailand just days earlier. Gordon Dewar, 63, from London, was rescued on 11th January after spending a night lost in a snake-infested jungle in the Phrao district of Chiang Mai.
The keen cyclist had veered off a main road on 10th January and became lost on a forest trail. He was forced to camp overnight in terrain known to be home to cobras, bears, and elephants. Found exhausted and dehydrated by a rescue team using drones and motocross riders, Dewar stated he could not have survived another night without food or water.
While the circumstances are different, the two cases underscore the potential dangers tourists can face and the critical importance of staying on established routes and maintaining contact with loved ones while travelling in unfamiliar regions.
The search for Joshua Kershaw continues, with his family clinging to hope for his safe return.
