‘My full moon party nightmare’

IT WAS meant to be the party of a lifetime. But for this group of Aussie travellers, Thailand’s notorious celebration turned into a nightmare.

IT WAS meant to be the time of her life.

Shayla Gibbons, 29, was backpacking around Thailand when she decided to attend one of the country’s notorious full moon party’s with a group of friends.

But the trip took a twist that the Broome-based lawyer will never forget, and now she wants to warn other travellers of the dangers. This is her story.

“My paltry savings had been hit hard by six months backpacking around South East Asia three years ago, so I decided to apply for a job teaching English in the Nakhon Pathom district. Soon after, I had a bunch of friends coming over to Thailand for the holidays.

Most of them hadn’t been to a full moon party before, so they won the vote to head over to Koh Pha Ngan (a notorious party island) to experience it.

Koh Pha Ngan is a spectacular location. Picture: Antischokke

The night was action-packed. With only two hours to go until the clock struck 12 it was time to get into the buckets (of alcohol). I couldn’t quite shake an uncomfortable feeling, but I convinced myself to brush it off.

The next few hours passed in a blur of drinking, dancing and meeting new “friends for life” whose names we wouldn’t remember in the morning. We were so busy having the best new year’s EVER that we didn’t realise until 10 minutes after midnight that we had missed the countdown. If only we had all run back to our speed boat before that stroke of midnight …

Time for the buckets. This one’s full of whiskey. Picture: Tim Parkinson

I held my friend Aaron’s bucket while he went to the toilet.

Once he was back, he caught up by downing its contents as quickly as possible. My other friend, Chrissie, then innocently started drinking from the bucket with him.

That’s when things changed.

In what seemed like no time, both of their moods had drastically altered as they began falling over to the point of near unconsciousness.

Eventually, we could barely move them, as they became increasingly unresponsive.

Chrissie’s sister and I quickly rounded up the few people that were left from our group and carried/dragged Chrissie and Aaron out of the bar. Once we got them outside we were directed to the medical clinic with the vague wave of a hand from a security officer.

While this was one of the worst nights of our lives, it seemed like it was just another standard night on Koh Pha Ngan for them.

It turned out to be one of the worst nights of her life. Picture: Shayla Gibbons

With the help of some kind-hearted passers-by we eventually ended up getting both Aaron and Chrissie to medical clinics. They had to go into separate ones because both were inundated with other full moon party casualties.

I spent the next few hours going between the two clinics, frantic with fear for my two friends. Chrissie started to improve shortly after she was placed on an IV. However, Aaron had two bags of fluid via IV and still didn’t regain consciousness until late the next morning.

Our experience taught me how quickly a night can change from being ‘the best night ever’ to an absolute nightmare. It was a long while before either Chrissie or Aaron felt completely well again and it completely ruined their tropical holiday.”

Before the drama started ...

Be aware of the risks

1Cover Travel Insurance says Shayla’s experience is a lesson for other Australians that attending full moon parties can be risky.

And travellers should keep in mind that they could end up with extortionate bills, sometimes running into the tens of thousands of dollars, if they get into trouble after drinking or taking drugs at these parties.

“Young travellers should wise up to the risks that come with being intoxicated in a foreign country,” 1 Cover spokeswoman Kelly Herbert said.

“If you need emergency assistance overseas because you are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs then unfortunately you won’t be covered by your travel insurance.”

“People on holidays tend to do things that they wouldn’t do here in Australia, with many young travellers getting themselves into risky situations abroad.”

Recognising the dangers involved, last month Thailand banned three of the four main monthly “moon” parties: the Half and Quarter Moon shindigs. They quoted “drug and alcohol” reasons. The only beach rave remaining is the Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party, which attracts thousands of revellers.

Have fun, but be alert. Picture: Shayla Gibbons

Here are some tips from Shayla and 1 Cover on navigating a full moon party:

1. Think before you drink

Never accept drinks from strangers and try to buy alcoholic drinks that have screw tops. It may be tempting, but aim to avoid Thailand’s infamous buckets — not only are they easy to spike, but it’s also hard to keep track of just how much alcohol you’ve had. — 1 Cover

Watch the bar tender open your drink. People are less likely to spike your drink when you are alert and watching. Choose a drink with a narrower opening and save the buckets for on the beach under an umbrella. Never leave your drink unattended, or if you do, tip it out and buy another one — they’re cheap! — Shayla

2. Safety in numbers

Stick with your friends, and never wander off down the beach alone — just because it’s a crazy beach party far away from home, it doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. You could try nominating a specific travel buddy among your group of friends when you’re out, and if you’re meeting up with new friends, make sure you rendezvous in a public place. — 1 Cover

Pre-plan a meeting point and time in case you all get separated — it’s very easy to lose each other in the crowds. — Shayla

3. Be prepared

Go for a wander around the island before the full moon party and find out where the medical centres are. It’s much easier than trying to figure it out when you have unconscious people who are like dead weights to drag around and intoxicated/hysterical people on your hands! — Shayla

4. Hydration holiday

It’s no coincidence that these words end the same, because they go so well together! Heat and alcohol are no-one’s favourite mix, so make sure you keep hydrated and drink lots of water. Also, try to chase each alcoholic beverage with a water. You’ll thank yourself in the morning. — 1 Cover

5. Luggage lock up

When you head out, make sure your luggage has padlocks, and grab a receipt if you leave your valuable possessions in the hotel safe. Of course, you’ll want to capture this great party with pictures and video, but best leave your flash camera at home — in case it “disappears.” - 1 Cover

Lock it up.

6. Photos are your friend

Take photos of important travel documents, and store these securely (do not carry these with you). Besides, it’s a good idea to take a photocopy of your passport details out with you, just in case you need ID. — 1 Cover

7. Be wary on the water

Make sure the speedboat you take over to the party is credible, and has the right on-board equipment in case of an emergency. Also, be sure to always wear a helmet when driving a scooter or motorcycle during your once in a lifetime trip. — 1 Cover

8. Spread out your “moolah”

Have at least two ways to pay for things, so if you lose your cash or card, you have a clear back-up. The island’s fun, but you don’t want to be there all night! — 1 Cover

Make sure you have a way to access money quickly if you need it. Medical treatment can be extremely expensive in tourist areas and most places expect you to pay for your treatment upfront or at least prior to leaving the facility. A comprehensive travel insurance policy is a must. — Shayla

9. Have street smarts

Read up on the most common mistakes made by travellers at full moon parties so you can relax and enjoy yourself. This one’s easy, and you can trade tips with your circle of friends before you jet off. — 1 Cover

10. Snack safely

Fuel up before the party with food freshly prepared, avoiding raw seafood and being mindful of street food. Also, try to drink bottled water from a reliable source and beware of ice in drinks. — 1 Cover

11. Move fast with insurance

If you encounter difficulty, contact your travel Insurance company immediately on their 24 hour hotline to ensure you get the right and best treatment — fast. — 1 Cover