“A very long time ago, I came to Thailand. I had a motorbike accident. It was quite bad. I rolled maybe 15 times down the road. My first thought was, who’s gonna help, to maybe speak English, completely bewildered,” recalls Mr Modell, reflecting on the experience that set him on a path to rescue work.
After his own accident, he began volunteering with Patong police for three and a half years. “Then I see the Kusoldham Phuket Foundation every time I work, and my Thai friend brought me here. And I worked with them,” he said. Since then, Mr Modell has become a familiar presence at accident scenes, snake rescues and beach emergencies across Phuket.
LIFE ON SCENE
Working on Phuket’s roads comes with constant danger. “People driving past the scene are often distracted. I’ve nearly been hit many times by motorbikes and cars. Drivers are focused on what’s around them, not what’s in front of them ‒ cars, trucks, buses, motorbikes. It’s a constant challenge because we have to watch the traffic instead of fully concentrating on the patient,” he said.
Snakes, too, are a regular part of Mr Modell’s work. “‘Jong Ang’ [king cobra] was probably the most dangerous snake I’ve ever dealt with. I have been working and got bitten many times, but if you respect it and know what it can do, and what it can’t do, you’re normally safe,” he said.
He recalls his first snake rescue as a lesson in patience and caution. “We got a call to catch a snake in Kamala. I had never dealt with snakes before. I stood and pointed my flashlight at the snake around my feet, and I couldn’t move. Then I went to learn about snakes. The important thing I learned is that the snake doesn’t want to interact with me, I’m interacting with it. Every time you deal with a snake, you need to know it’s going to protect itself; it may bite.”
WARNING TOURISTS
Mr Modell is also concerned about tourists underestimating the risks at Phuket beaches. “The problem is, foreign tourists don’t listen to security guards. They think they know better. There’s red flags saying, don’t swim. And those tourists are going, why? Look, it’s perfect. Even though the lifeguard says, rip current. And they don’t listen because they know better.”
He recounts tragic consequences of ignoring warnings: “Last year, a Thai doctor died on Karon Beach saving a tourist. Too much death. Most foreigners that day in Thailand are doing something stupid. People don’t like honesty. They can’t accept it’s their fault.”
MOTIVATION AND DEDICATION
Despite nearly a decade of accidents, near-misses, and snake bites, Mr Modell remains driven by community and family. “If anything would motivate me, probably the family in the Kusoldham Phuket Foundation. It’s probably the reason I keep doing it,” he said.
Whether on streets, beaches or in a dark house chasing a cobra, Vinnie Modell’s dedication continues to make Phuket safer for residents and tourists alike.
Volunteer rescue work comes at a personal price. Mr Modell spends more than B200,000 each year on travel, and equipment. “I’ve spent B250,000 personally over the years,” he said.
After nearly a decade, Mr Modell’s commitment shows no sign of slowing. “I’m not in this for money or fame. I just want to help,” he said. He advises both tourists and locals to respect nature and heed safety warnings.
From snakes in homes and jungles to accidents on busy streets and underestimated beach currents, Vinnie Modell has become a vital part of Phuket’s safety network. His message is simple but powerful: respect rules and local culture.
Vinnie stresses that his work, and that of fellow volunteers, comes at no cost to those they rescue. However, the survival of the rescue service itself is under threat.
Our last-ditch attempt to save Rescue Team Volunteers Phuket & Snake Guy in Phuket:
“We have had a firm offer on the response car for B295,000. This will cover all debts and outstanding problems. But before we close the doors permanently, we are asking every one of our followers to make a donation. If each of you personally helps, we will be able to continue for many more years ‒ already, we have been running for nine.”
Donation details:
Kasikorn Bank (K-Bank)
Account No: 050-3-14570-7
Account Name: Vincent Cain Modell
For further information: WhatsApp 080-8648092