Ben Barba’s drug detox hideout in Thailand a regular spot for troubled NRL stars
Tucked away in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai on the banks of the Ping River sits a luxury rehabilitation resort that has become popular with NRL stars who have lost their way
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TUCKED away in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai on the banks of the Ping River sits a luxury rehabilitation resort that has become a detox refuge for NRL stars who have lost their way.
The Cabin is where players Mitchell Pearce, James Roberts and Paul Carter all fled in an effort to salvage their careers, and it’s where fullback Ben Barba will spend at least the next 28 days after he was dumped by the Sharks after testing positive to cocaine use.
A large wooden gate and high fence hides the sprawling resort from the street and helps maintain privacy for those inside, who are battling a range of demons from drug addiction to gambling.
With a client list that includes celebrities from across the globe, privacy is paramount to maintaining the reputation The Cabin has built.
Inside the compound, Barba, who tested positive to cocaine just days after the Sharks maiden NRL Preimership win, will stay in a spacious room with a modern bathroom and high-end technology, although he will have only limited internet access.
He’ll eat in a central dining room run by a top quality chef and when he’s not in therapy he’ll be able to enjoy the pool, fully-equipped gym and meditation rooms or challenge other guests at table tennis.
The former Dally M winner will take part in group and individual therapy to address his addiction and it’s highly likely his family will be brought over for family sessions that are often very raw and emotional.
All of this comes with a hefty price tag of $14,000 for the initial 28-day stay.
Originally published as Ben Barba’s drug detox hideout in Thailand a regular spot for troubled NRL stars
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