I read this message on another forum and don't think I have seen in on Fodor's. I had read, however, that Tong, herself, was hit by a car at the floating market and she confirmed this in a personal e-mail. Does anyone know about Charlie's accident?

"I just received a really distressing email from Tong and I wanted to come on here and ask everyone to rally together and say some prayers....
Yesterday one of her guides, Charlie had a car accident while with some clients... it was not Charlies fault... a car u-turned in front of them going along the highway between Kanchanaburi and Bangkok...
While Charlie and the husband are ok, the wife is in a very serious condition... from what I understand her seatbelt has caused internal injuries which the local hospital didnt pick up... once Tong got there and it was apparent she was not well, they got her to a top Bangkok hospital, but it doesnt look great.
I am not sure what will happen, but please please say a prayer.... As for anyone with plans with Tong over the next couple of weeks I am not sure what will happen... she is at the hospital daily from here on in, and has organised to rent an apartment for her client near the hospital.... She feels so bad about it all, and it has scared all her guides greatly...
I am so sad to hear this, and I hope that everyone can rally around and support them all.... If anyone would like further details you can contact me direct but I am not sure it is appropriate to put too many details here right now. At this stage I do not know if they are TA members

Sarah"

Since this was a couple of months ago, has anyone else heard any more?

Thanks

Sandra aka mcbeanie

When was this dated?
J

You are right -- I forgot the date. The accident was sometime in the early part of April, 2007.

Sorry!

Sandra

The injuries were caused by a lap only seat belt (no shoulder belt), which offers just slightly more protection than no belt at all...keeps you from being thrown from the vehicle but frequently is the source of spinal and internal organ injuries due to lack of upper body restraint. The woman was hospitalized and recovered.

Thanks Kim/Japan. We will see Tong in December, but glad to know that the woman has recovered. I know Tong must have been very concerned.

Sandra

Well I just met with Tong about an hour ago. She is doing fine. She had had a minor "surgery" on an ankle and is taking a couple of days away from touring to recover. She mentioned you, Sandra, and said she is looking forward to your time together.

Carol

(BTW, I'll start a new BKK thread and will tell about the Somerset Suwan Park View)

Note from Tong dated 7/11/07:
Hi,
Thank you so much for your concerns.
Yes, it was true. It was not Charlie's fault. The one who crashed him was unlicensed and inexperienced. This made me stressful and busy for months...even though it was not my case.
Everything is ok now. They flew back to Australia already. She is much much better.
Thanks for your kind message, I appreciate it very much.

Kindest Regards,
tong.