A British man has gone to great lengths to siphon money from his family in England, all so he can continue ‘dancing and joking’ in Thailand. The man faked his kidnapping in Pattaya, the ‘Bangkok Post’ and British media report. His terrified family called in the help of the Thai police, who in turn called in Interpol and special rescue teams to rescue the kidnapped Briton from the clutches of his kidnappers. But it turned out to be completely different.
The Briton, identified only as ‘Ian’, had apparently run out of money while enjoying an extended holiday in the popular Thai resort of Pattaya. That city is also called ‘Sin City’ because of its exuberant nightlife and sex tourism. In order to continue his good life full of alcohol and drugs in Pattaya, the man had no better option than to fake his own kidnapping. But of course the authorities didn’t know that. They use all the bells and whistles to save the man.
Taking drugs together
After investigators traced Ian’s whereabouts to a hotel in Pattaya, a special armed police team raided the hotel room where the Brit was allegedly being held on January 26. But what did they find to their great surprise? An Ian who was healthy and well – well, healthy – and casually using drugs, together with three other foreigners. Apparently that was part of a very pleasant two-day drinking party. There was no question of a kidnapping at all.
Police chief Montree Theskhan told British media that four people, including Ian, were arrested in the room. They were all arrested for possession of category 1 drugs (hard drugs, in this case crystal meth), as well as for possession of unauthorized firearms and ammunition, and for overstaying in Thailand (their visas had expired).
The police chief added: “We have committed time and personnel to rescue this British man. We acted quickly as there were fears for his safety.” But there was none of that. “When the police arrived, he was doing something illegal himself. He is now being prosecuted.” The three other suspects have also been identified by their first names only. It concerns Frenchman Damien, New Zealander Benjamin and another Briton, Darren.
Daily MailOnline
@MailOnline
The group appeared to have been living in Thailand for a long time, writes the ‘Bangkok Post’. A well-extended holiday and all very enjoyable, until Ian’s holiday funds were exhausted and the friends hatched a plan to make his family in England believe he had been kidnapped, in the hope of extorting a “ransom” from them. The police have not released the exact amount requested.
Also read: LOOK. And then suddenly a big Bentley with a lion passes by in the Thai city of Pattaya: three people have been charged
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