In 1999, I crossed over the border from Malaysia. Just as we were about to cross the border we stopped for a bite to eat. One of the backpackers decided to open his rucksack to get his toothbrush and toothpaste. When he opened it he saw a huge stash of drugs. Planted!!!

So he just dumped them immediately, told the rest of us without informing the guides or driver.

We passed through the border OK but on the other side about 5km down the road we were stopped by police. The dragged us all outside and then went to search our bags. They took a real interest in one bag in particular. Yes, the one with the stash. When they found nothing they didnt know what to do. Panic set in and we were all worried that we would get into trouble - maybe they would think that we nicked all their gear.

Fortunately we made it through without any problems. My guess is that they searched the toilet on the Malaysian side and found their drugs. Basically it was a complete setup. First they get their drugs safely over the border and secondly they manage to blackmail a foreigner into paying huge money to get off a drug rap!

I moved to Thailand in September 2001. That was just a few weeks after my mother passed away. Actually, I had already left Ireland and was training in Antwerp when I got the bad news.

I had a big decision to make – whether or not I should still go to Thailand or return to Ireland. I knew my Mother would have wanted me to fulfill my dream so that is what I decided to do.