The White Lotus Season 3: Why do we see Rick in Thailand? Here's what we know

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for The White Lotus Season 3. If you haven’t caught up with the latest episodes, proceed with caution!

The White Lotus Season 3 premiered on February 16, 2025, on Max. This time, the satirical comedy drama takes the viewers to the exotic Thailand. With its captivating storyline and a web of lies haunting the high-profile guests of The White Lotus Resort, the series has maintained a steady viewership.

Among the high-profile guest list, which includes the wealthy Ratliffs, we meet Rick Hatchett, played by Walton Goggins. His appearance at the Thai resort has left viewers with more questions than answers. His stoic demeanor and suspicious behavior have sparked curiosity about his true motives. Rick is accompanied by his young and beautiful girlfriend, Chelsea (played by Aimee Lou Wood). However, their relationship is far from perfect, with Rick disregarding Chelsea’s feelings—even letting a cobra bite her. His act of releasing snakes in Season 3, Episode 3 serves as a symbolic gesture, hinting at the secrets he harbors.

As the series progresses, viewers gain insight into Rick’s background, revealing that his trip to Thailand is about much more than a romantic getaway. Instead, it is driven by deep-seated and unresolved trauma. In The White Lotus Season 3, Episode 4: Hide or Seek, Rick finally confesses to Chelsea his true reason for visiting Thailand—to avenge his father’s death at the hands of hotel owner Jim Hollinger.

Created by Mike White, The White Lotus follows wealthy guests at luxurious resorts in exotic locations, uncovering the dark truths of both the visitors and the staff. The show has earned several accolades, including five Primetime Emmy Awards.

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Rick Hatchett in Thailand to avenge his father's death: The White Lotus Season 3

Rick’s stay at The White Lotus resort was shrouded in mystery from the beginning. He remained detached and distant from both the guests and staff. Previously, he confided in Amrita (Shalini Peiris), the resort’s meditation specialist, about his suppressed trauma stemming from his father’s mysterious death.

In the season premiere, Rick grows visibly uneasy upon seeing Sritala, Jim Hollinger’s wife, at the dinner table. He abruptly leaves the meal and rushes to his room to search the web for information on Sritala and Jim—hinting at unresolved issues between Rick and the couple.

In The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 4, while attending a guest's cruise on Gary's yacht party, Chelsea grows increasingly frustrated with Rick’s unsociable behavior and his insistence on visiting Bangkok. She demands to know the truth behind their trip and his erratic actions.

Rick then confesses to Chelsea that his father vanished under mysterious circumstances years ago, leaving him with unresolved trauma. He explains that his father had come to Thailand to help locals protect their land from being sold to Americans. However, just one day after his arrival, he disappeared without a trace. On her deathbed, Rick’s mother revealed to a then 10-year-old Rick that Jim Hollinger, the resort owner, was responsible for his father’s murder.

Now, Rick is determined to uncover what truly happened to his father and find closure. In an emotional moment, Chelsea embraces him, offering comfort.

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Rick plans to hunt down Jim Hollinger: The White Lotus Season 3

In the upcoming episode, viewers might witness a furious Rick traveling across Thailand in search of Jim Hollinger—the man he believes murdered his father. Jim left the resort just one day before the guests arrived, fleeing to Bangkok. Chelsea, now aware of Rick’s mission, promises to help him seek revenge.

However, with Rick’s father’s body never having been found, there remains the possibility that he is still alive or was kidnapped by Jim instead. Even if Jim did kill him, questions linger: how was he murdered, and where was his body disposed of? Regardless of the outcome, Rick’s revenge storyline is set to be a thrilling arc in the upcoming episodes.

Catch the upcoming episode of The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 5 on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 9 PM ET.

Read More: The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 5: Release date news and time, streaming details and more

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