Missing Brit Joshua Kershaw 'Never Made Flight' Home from Thailand
In a concerning development, the family of a British man reported missing in Thailand has confirmed he did not board his scheduled flight back to the UK. Joshua Kershaw, a 21-year-old from Grimsby, has been untraceable since arriving in the Southeast Asian country on January 12, 2026.
Family's Plea for Information
The alarm was initially raised when Joshua failed to make contact with his family after arriving in Thailand. Further concern grew when he was due to depart from Bangkok on January 19 but was reported by his family as 'never made flight'. Jenny Kershaw, a family member, took to social media to issue a desperate plea for information.
"WE CAN NOW CONFIRM JOSHUA NEVER MADE HIS FLIGHT. MISSING PERSON – PLEASE SHARE," she posted. "Joshua Kershaw (Sadler) is currently missing in Pattaya, Thailand. He has been missing since 12th January 2026. No contact has been made since he arrived at his hotel."
Details of the Disappearance
Joshua had been travelling alone and was believed to have been in the popular tourist destination of Pattaya. His family stated that he was scheduled to fly home on January 19 at 20:30 Thai time but did not board the aircraft. They added, "We have had no contact since. We can now confirm Joshua hasn’t boarded his flight police are doing more checks as we speak."
Physical Description
Family members provided a physical description to aid in the search: "Joshua is 6ft’2 medium build, his Hair colour is mousey brown hair and brown eyes. He’s a British citizen." They emphasized Joshua is now classified as a high-risk missing person by UK authorities.
Family's Efforts and Appeal
The concerned family has been actively seeking assistance. They have contacted both local and border police in Thailand, as well as the British embassy in Bangkok. They are receiving updates from both the police and embassy staff, according to Yorkshire Live.
In their appeal, Jenny Kershaw expressed deep concern: "We are extremely worried about his safety & whereabouts. If anyone is in Pattaya, has seen Joshua, or has any information at all, please contact me immediately or pass this information on to the local authorities."
She urged the public for help, stating, "Even the smallest detail could help. Please share this post to help bring Joshua home safely. Thank you."
Travel Safety and Preparedness
This incident highlights the potential risks faced by solo travelers, especially in foreign countries. Experts often advise travelers to maintain regular communication with family or friends back home and to share their itinerary and accommodation details.
Additionally, having emergency contact information readily available, including local authorities and the nearest embassy or consulate, is crucial. Travel insurance that covers emergency assistance can also provide a vital lifeline in such situations.
Community Response and Ongoing Search
The family's social media post has garnered attention, with many sharing the information in hopes of reaching someone who might have seen Joshua or possess relevant details. The collaboration between the Kershaw family, Thai authorities, and the British embassy is critical in the ongoing search efforts.
As the investigation continues, the family remains hopeful for Joshua's safe return. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that could aid in locating the missing young man.
Updates on the search for Joshua Kershaw will be provided as they become available.
