Australian Muay Thai fighter Jayson Tonkin, now hospitalized in Thailand, has captured headlines following his recent discovery in a Pattaya hotel room where he lay beside the body of British fighter Joshua Goldstone.
The incident has prompted Thai authorities to investigate Tonkin’s connection to the tragic death and assess possible charges.
Behind this unfolding story lies a gritty past of substance abuse, crime, and turbulent relationships, which Tonkin openly addressed in a revealing interview earlier this year.
Confessions of a Chaotic Life
In an unfiltered conversation in March, Tonkin delved into his struggles with drug addiction, risky encounters, and moments of desperation.
As he recalled in a personal interview, his journey with drugs spiraled during his years in Thailand, where he experimented with methamphetamine, often finding himself in a dangerous state of dependency.
His admissions painted a picture of someone battling intense inner demons, at times feeling haunted by disturbing hallucinations and severe episodes of sleep paralysis, a feeling he described as an invisible weight crushing his head.
The Shocking Discovery in Pattaya
On the night of the incident, hotel staff reportedly discovered Tonkin in an agitated state in his hotel room alongside Goldstone, who was unresponsive.
Local police noted that they found “ketamine, cannabis, and drug paraphernalia” in the room, suggesting drug use might have played a role in the tragic events.
Initially, a mix-up occurred in the press regarding the identity of the deceased, mistakenly reporting Tonkin’s death.
A Life Marked by Addiction and Encounters with Crime
Tonkin’s struggles with substance abuse stretch back to his teenage years, influenced by Bangkok’s vibrant and often chaotic nightlife.
In a podcast titled @TidesTalk, Tonkin described how he began using marijuana in his late teens, leading to heavier substances as he continued fighting in Muay Thai competitions.
His chaotic lifestyle attracted individuals with criminal backgrounds, further entangling him in risky behavior, including run-ins with law enforcement and periods of hiding out.
Recounting Frightening Experiences Under the Influence
Tonkin also shared harrowing experiences from his life in Bangkok, including painful and intense hallucinations during periods of heavy methamphetamine use.
He described nights where he felt pinned down, unable to move, haunted by the sensation of someone “stomping on his head” and an eerie, otherworldly voice whispering in his ear.
His addiction led to frequent drug binges, reliance on prescription medications, and, eventually, a downward mental spiral.
Relationship Troubles and Attempted Recovery
As Tonkin’s life spun out of control, his relationships suffered, notably with a nurse he was dating at the time.
Reflecting on this period, he described his own behavior as “demonic,” exacerbated by ADHD and emotional turmoil.
In a moment of extreme despair, Tonkin attempted to end his life, leading to a period in a psychiatric ward before he managed to re-enter the world of training and competition.
Plans for a Return to Fighting Cut Short
Tonkin recently traveled back to Thailand, preparing for a highly anticipated fight scheduled for November.
However, this tragic episode in Pattaya has left the future of his Muay Thai career in jeopardy.
He previously commented on Instagram that returning to Thailand often left him “lost in the madness.”
Since the incident, authorities have treated Goldstone’s death as a potential overdose, while Tonkin now faces the possibility of serious drug-related charges, which could result in prison time.
Remembering Joshua Goldstone
Following the shocking news of Goldstone’s passing, friends and followers paid their respects on his social media pages.
The outpouring of tributes reflects the community’s shock and grief, as Thai police continue investigating the circumstances leading to the tragedy in Pattaya.
Meanwhile, Tonkin’s future remains uncertain, as Thai authorities are expected to pursue further questioning and potential charges related to drug possession and consumption.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn