Handicapped burger seller says his “life has collapsed” after media attention

The westerner with no legs who created a sensation on social media after being featured selling burgers in Bangkok says his life is being ruined.

Now the former airline pilot has decided to shut down his stall in Nimit Mai Road, Bangkok.

Gareth Payne said on his No Name Burger Facebook fan page that he had been “verbally attacked”. He cited other farangs “on some site” as being responsible. He said that people were “talking so bad” about him and he just wanted to make people happy and be left alone, reports Daily News.

In a heartfelt plea the family man added yesterday evening: “Thank you everyone who has been supportive. But this has gone way too far. People debating my life career and just wanting to talk about me…. both good and bad.

“I have had to shut down. It breaks my heart to see my world collapse like this. I will not be opening again. For a long time. I am so sorry. All the likes, questions and people following. It’s just way too much. I only wanted to make people happy. Show that we are all equal. But once again a few nasty people can’t see good in my work and want to hurt me. Sadly they don’t think of the hurt to my family my friends or my children by talking how they do…… good luck everyone. Sorry you didn’t taste my burgers…Gareth. aka Gaz”.

Mr Payne lost both his legs after going out jogging and fainting. He fell on a railway track and a train went over him. He said on his page that this happened in the UK.

On the page he referred to himself as a former boxer, athlete and airline pilot.

Earlier in the day a call from a Thaivisa reporter to Mr Payne was unanswered and no return call was forthcoming.

Thai Visa / Daily News

Stay updated with Samui Times by following us on Facebook.