PATTAYA, Thailand – A family in the UK is asking for help to find Joshua Kershaw, a 21-year-old British tourist who has gone missing in Thailand. Joshua, from Grimsby in Lincolnshire, travelled alone to Pattaya for a holiday. His family says they have not heard from him since he checked into his hotel on Monday, 12 January 2026.
Joshua arrived in Thailand that day and messaged home to say he had landed safely and had checked in. That was the last time his loved ones heard from him. He was due to fly back to the UK from Bangkok on Sunday, 19 January, but he did not get on the flight. After he missed the plane, relatives and friends raised the alarm.
His mum, Jenny Kershaw, has posted an emotional appeal on social media. She has shared photos of Joshua and asked anyone with information to come forward. A message shared online says the family is deeply worried about his safety. They also say he would not normally stop replying, and that his silence is completely out of character. Friends and local supporters have been sharing the posts widely in the hope that it leads to a sighting.
Solo Trip to Pattaya City
Joshua was travelling on his own, which is common for young people visiting Thailand. Pattaya is around two hours southeast of Bangkok and is popular for its beaches, nightlife, and visitor attractions. Like many tourist hotspots, it has seen occasional incidents involving travellers. That is why families often push for quick action when someone disappears.
UK outlets, including the Mirror, Wales Online, and the Manchester Evening News, report that the family has contacted the authorities. They have also reached out to the British Embassy in Bangkok, Thai police, and border officials.
Thailand’s Tourist Police, who help foreign visitors, are also said to be involved as they try to track Joshua’s movements after he entered the country.
There are still a few confirmed details about where Joshua went after checking into his hotel. Pattaya is the last known location, and no confirmed public sightings have been reported since 12 January. The family has described him as a 21-year-old British man travelling alone. Information such as what he was wearing has not been widely shared, with most posts focusing on how unusual it is for him to stay out of contact.
Support grows as the search continues
Joshua’s disappearance has spread quickly online. Posts have appeared in expat groups and Thailand travel communities, as well as local networks in places like Chiang Rai. People who live in Thailand or travel there often follow these cases closely, as backpackers sometimes move on from the main resorts without leaving a clear trail.
The family is holding on to hope. Some people have suggested he may have run into a simple travel issue or lost track of time. Still, missing his flight has increased concern and led to fresh calls for anyone in Pattaya or nearby areas to stay alert.
Anyone who has seen Joshua Kershaw, or has information about where he might be, is asked to contact the Thai Tourist Police on 1155, local Pattaya police, or the British Embassy in Bangkok. The family’s online appeals remain active as they wait for news.
As each day passes without contact, the message from home stays the same: help bring Joshua back safely.
Tourists Going Missing in Thailand
Thailand is one of the world’s top travel hotspots, welcoming tens of millions of visitors each year. Every so often, reports of missing tourists surface and quickly raise alarm for travellers, families, and local officials.
Most people have safe, trouble-free holidays, but a small number of cases do happen. These can include hikers losing their way in remote jungle areas, solo travellers going out of contact after high-risk activities, or people affected by accidents such as drowning or motorbike crashes.
During 2025 and 2026, several incidents involving British, Chinese, and other foreign nationals drew heavy media attention. Headlines covered short-lived abductions, disappearances after a final message or call, and, in some cases, the discovery of remains. Social media posts and family appeals often increased the pressure and kept the stories in the public eye.
Even so, these cases are rare compared with the sheer number of tourists arriving every year. Still, the coverage has led to short-term drops in confidence, especially among travellers from China. In response, Thai authorities have increased safety steps, expanded the tourist police presence, and shared public updates to reassure visitors and support the tourism sector.
