Peter, a 62 year old Dutch man, arrived at the court in Udon Thani, north east Thailand with his lawyer Nobi yesterday to commence legal action to retrieve losses over an alleged ‘stolen property’.
ASEAN NOW reports that they were there to try and retrieve over 4 million baht from a woman working in the Provincial Administration Organisation in Isaan.
Peter had transferred the money for the purchase of a house and land, as he believed marriage was in the offing with the Thai lady and he wanted to start a family in Thailand with her.
Unfortunately, the woman “took his money”, according to Peter, and refused to return it after their relationship ended. She claims that Peter had only sent her 300-400,000 baht. However, Peter had borrowed the money from his friends, a relative and the bank, and has proof of the transfer.
On February 4, Peter’s lawyer had provided transfer and video evidence to the Ban Dung police in support of a fraud claim. A summons was issued for Valentine’s Day, which the woman did not respond to. A second summons will be issued next Tuesday regarding the alleged fraud.
Meanwhile, the civil part of the case was presented to the Civil Court in Udon Thani yesterday by lawyer Nobi. He stated that they wanted to make an example of the Thai woman who had cheated a foreigner, as it is a negative image for Thailand.
Peter expressed his belief that his lawyers would help him get justice. When he gets his money back, he plans to return it to his elder sister, the bank, and friends in Holland. He also plans to turn over a new leaf.
When asked if he would marry a Thai woman in the future, Peter said he wasn’t sure what the future holds, but he won’t make the same mistake again. He still believes that most Thais are good people, and it’s not everyone who is bad. He plans to return to Holland at the end of the month and come back when the court reconvenes.
PHOTO: Siam Rath
NOTE: DO NOT go ahead with any property purchases in Thailand, under ANY circumstances, unless you have engaged a qualified and recommended Thai conveyancing and property lawyer. Do LOTS of homework and understand the risks involved and the possible loss of the money you invested.
