What started as a sun-soaked island story in Krabi turned into a social media tempest this week when Indian travel blogger Monica Gupta — better known to her followers as @travelwithshades — accused a local hospital of overcharging foreign tourists after she and a friend suffered bad reactions to what she described as “weird gummies.” Her original Instagram reel, posted on Sunday, November 16, said bluntly: “₹1 lakh (100,000 rupees) for 3 IV drips. Thai hospital, hospital scam, gummies, Thailand, Krabi, Phuket.”
The short version: Monica and a male friend ate gummies they bought in Phuket. About an hour later they felt unwell and went to a hospital in Krabi, where they were admitted and given IV treatment. Monica recounted that they were initially shown a bill of 17,500 baht — an amount she found reasonable for two people — and then dozed off for three hours while receiving care. But when they woke and asked to settle up, the hospital allegedly presented a far higher total: 36,000 baht, amounting to 17,500 baht each.
Monica also noticed something that raised her hackles: nearby beds were occupied by other patients being treated for similar symptoms after consuming cannabis gummies, which made her suspect a pattern — and, in her words, a “Thai hospital scam” targeting tourists. The reel sparked an immediate storm of comments and shares as followers debated whether this was a genuine case of overcharging or simply an unfortunate result of risky behaviour and misunderstanding.
Reactions were swift and loud — and not all sympathetic. Several commenters, both Thai and Indian, pushed back. One Indian man who has lived in Thailand for more than 22 years defended the country’s healthcare system and urged better personal responsibility: don’t buy or eat unfamiliar products, and make sure your travel insurance is in order. A Thai woman pointed out that state hospitals are generally cheaper and that private hospitals typically charge the same rates to locals and foreigners. Others reminded travellers that edibles affect everyone differently and that emergency medical care can be costly for foreigners almost anywhere.
Four days after her initial post, Monica posted an apology on November 20. In the new video she said she was sorry for creating a misunderstanding around Thai hospitals. Yet she didn’t entirely retract her warning: she still felt the promotion of cannabis gummies seemed to be aimed at foreign tourists and cautioned others not to make the same mistake. She closed with practical advice — buy travel insurance and consider state hospitals over private ones if you need medical care abroad.
The saga reads like a modern travel fable: a beach, a bargain snack, a surprise medical emergency, and an influencer’s viral post that split opinion down the middle. There are a few clear takeaways that don’t require a verdict on whether any crime occurred.
- Be cautious with local edibles. How gummies are dosed — and how your body reacts — varies wildly. If you’re unfamiliar with cannabis products or your tolerance, err on the side of caution.
- Know where to go for care. State hospitals in Thailand are generally less expensive than private clinics. If cost is a concern and it’s not an immediate life-or-death situation, asking for options can help.
- Buy travel insurance. Medical costs can balloon quickly for foreigners. Insurance protects you from steep unexpected bills and usually helps with hospital billing disputes.
- Document everything. Keep photos of bills, receipts, and any written estimates. If you believe you’ve been overcharged, documentation will strengthen your case.
Monica’s followers will likely remain divided: some will salute her for sounding the alarm about dodgy edibles and expensive private care; others will say this was an avoidable mishap amplified by a dramatic social media post. Both positions hold truth. The internet thrives on black-and-white narratives, but real-life travel incidents are almost always hues of grey.
At the end of the day, this episode is a reminder that travel stories now play out on public stages in real time. One post can ignite debate, shape reputations, and even persuade people to change their travel habits. Whether you’re an influencer chronicling your next island escape or a first-time visitor to Thailand, the smartest travel accessory is still a blend of curiosity and caution — plus a good travel insurance policy tucked into your bag.
Monica’s apology seems to have softened some of the heat, but the conversation she started — about safety, responsibility, and how tourists are treated abroad — is likely to stick around. If anything, Krabi’s beaches will remain beautiful, but travellers may now ask more questions before buying anything that comes in an unlabelled packet.
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