I got a call last night from my somewhat estranged father who is currently in Pattaya stating that he needed £250 to pay a hospital bill, the police have his passport, and it will go up 500 baht a day. We had not spoken for many years, for reasons I would rather not go into. He is apparently broke and believes he will be put in prison for 28 days if he cannot pay.

Whilst I am aware that this is quite possibly a web of lies, I am anxious to ascertain what exactly will happen - if indeed he would go to jail, what prisons in Thailand are like, and what would happen when he came out. I am assuming he would be unable to renew his visa? Would he then be deported at her majestys expense?

I don't expect personal advice, but would like to know if anyone could give me any answers to the queries above.

All help is greatly appreciated.