Comatose Thai Student at Chonnam National University Returns Home with Help from Volunteers and Donors

Chonnam National University Student Chapter Launches Fundraising Campaign
Support Pours In from Actress Lee Youngae and Others

A Thai international student who collapsed due to a cerebral hemorrhage is on the way home. Provided by Chonnam National University

A Thai international student who had been studying at the Chonnam National University Language Education Center and fell into a coma due to a cerebral hemorrhage has returned to her home country, thanks to the support of Chonnam National University volunteer groups, students, and donors from across the country.

According to Chonnam National University on November 16, Sirinya, a Thai student who lost consciousness in July after suffering a subdural hemorrhage-a type of cerebral hemorrhage-departed for her home country the previous day by plane.

Sirinya had been learning Korean at the Chonnam National University Language Education Center when she collapsed in her dormitory in July. She was diagnosed with a subdural hemorrhage and has since been receiving treatment in an unconscious state.

In October, medical staff reported that due to severe brain damage, recovery of consciousness would be difficult. Sirinya’s mother earnestly requested her daughter’s transfer, saying, “I can no longer leave my daughter alone in a foreign hospital room.”

However, her return seemed virtually impossible due to unpaid medical bills and the need for tens of millions of won to cover the cost of international patient transport.

Upon hearing the news, members of the Rhythm Chonnam National University Student Chapter launched a fundraising campaign by creating and sharing card news, posters, and videos online. Actress Lee Youngae also donated 10 million won.

The transport cost, which had reached nearly 90 million won, was significantly reduced through cooperation with the Thai Embassy, the Vietnam Peace Medical Solidarity volunteer group, and the international patient transport specialist company Neo. Instead of a dedicated air ambulance, Korean Air assisted by removing six seats from a regular aircraft and installing a medical bed, allowing medical staff to accompany Sirinya. This made it possible to cover the transport costs with the donations collected by the students.

Lee Boram, a second-year law student at Chonnam National University and the representative of the Rhythm Chonnam National University Student Chapter, said, “I was deeply moved and comforted to see so many people across the country come together. Seeing Sirinya’s eyelids move gave me a small sense of hope, and I sincerely hope she regains consciousness after hearing her mother’s voice in her homeland.”

The Rhythm Chonnam National University Student Chapter plans to produce and release a video letter on YouTube, documenting Sirinya’s journey home and her life in her hometown.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.