Picture courtesy of ScandAsia.com

 

A 59-year-old Danish man, Brian Dilling Pedersen, has vanished under ominous circumstances in southern Thailand, sparking fears of a possible extortion case. His son, Steven Risager Madsen, is deeply worried that his father might have fallen prey to an extortion racket while residing in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

 

This unsettling development comes after Brian's trip to Thailand on 20 December 2024, primarily spent in Sakon Nakhon province's Kusuman district.

 

On 12 April 2025, Brian travelled from Vientiane, Laos, to Bangkok and likely returned to Kusuman, described as his Thai abode. Fast forward to 26 May 2025, he was back in Bangkok, setting course for Nakhon Si Thammarat.

 

His intended meeting was with a young Thai woman he had befriended online, reportedly born on 20 March 2004. ScandAsia.com is aware of both her Facebook and Thai names.

 

Brian appeared joyful on 27 May 2025, sending his son a picture of a woman and child resting on his bed. He shared plans to return to Denmark by 7 June 2025, prior to his visa expiration.

 

But the following day marked a stark change. During a video call on 28 May 2025, Brian revealed a short clip of his accommodation—Ban Chai Khlong in Pak Phanang district. Suddenly, his demeanour shifted, his gaze moved off-camera in apparent concern, and the call abruptly ended.

 

Steven asserts this was when Brian's phone was forcibly taken. This theory gained traction when Brian's entire Facebook profile, along with Messenger chats, was wiped clean shortly thereafter. Fortunately, Steven had earlier preserved screenshots of their exchanges and photographs.

 

On 31 May 2025, Brian managed to call his son from a Thai phone linked to an individual whose identity is familiar to ScandAsia. The call was cut short, yet not before Brian expressed, "I am afraid; they are many; I am afraid." Steven noted the stark contrast: "From being in love on Wednesday to sounding terrified on Saturday, something is clearly wrong."

 

Steven reported his father missing to Denmark's East Jutland police district, who are scrutinising Brian’s bank records for any suspicious transactions between 27 May and 31 May 2025. Meanwhile, ScandAsia confirmed through the Ban Chai Khlong Restaurant that Brian was lodging alone, with him departing unaccompanied on 3 June 2025.

 

In response to the alarming situation as of 4 June 2025, Gregers Moller, ScandAsia's publisher, acting on Steven’s power of attorney, filed a missing person report with the Thai Tourist Police. However, the Tourist Police indicated a formal inquiry requires filing at Ban Chao Khlong district’s local police precinct in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

 

There is yet no definitive proof linking the young woman to any malpractice, though her Facebook post – “Have you got the agreed amount ready now?” – suggests Brian may be entangled in debt collection or other coercive activities.

 

Authorities in Nakhon Si Thammarat have been urged to expedite their investigation. Anyone possessing knowledge of Brian Dilling Pedersen’s whereabouts is implored to inform local police or contact ScandAsia.com.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ScandAsia 2025-06-05

 

 

oh no, this one doesn't sound like it's going to finish with a happy ending

Might not be definitive proof, but “have you got the money ready” should give cause to question her?

I feel for his family and from what I’m reading it sounds almost sounds like the police are dragging this out for some reason TIT

A flame post removed.

 

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Sad incident... hope he returns back safely... Wishing him and his family ... lots of good luck

He was looking for something special. 🥴

 

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Steven noted the stark contrast: "From being in love on Wednesday to sounding terrified on Saturday, something is clearly wrong."

 

Yes, there is, a 59-year-old getting involved with a 21-year-old. 

11 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

Yes, there is, a 59-year-old getting involved with a 21-year-old. 

Yes, but there must be thousands of these types of hookups in Thailand.

Extortion is rare, isn't it? 

 

15 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Yes, but there must be thousands of these types of hookups in Thailand.

Extortion is rare, isn't it? 

 

Yes, but that being the South, who knows... I heard strange stories, when I lived down there. Dated a mixed-race girl, who told me that her 'ex-boyfriend called her, pretending to be sick, while, at the same time, he had organised a bunch of Malaysians to gang-rape her'! According to her, the cops didn't even press charges against the Malaysians in order not to upset Thai-Malaysian relations!

 

And another girl told me that both of her parents were teachers, with both, a farm, and a money-lending business on the side. Apparently, the father owned several handguns, which, at times, he utilised in order to encourage punctual repayment of the loans... 😆 

11 hours ago, webfact said:

His intended meeting was with a young Thai woman he had befriended online, reportedly born on 20 March 2004.

When a 59 years old man meets a 21-year old girl, a financial interest from her side might be stronger than falling in love with the man...

You must always have an exit strategy and keep your family members updated on your trips, especially when going "Up River" or parts unknown in this area of the world.  Start with that lady.

No doubt in my mind that our 59 year-old Brian is short a few slices of a loaf. Just look at his photo, does he own a comb? Joking aside, everything reported in this article points to an unstable individual unable to make logical decisions. 

1 hour ago, factual monk said:

Sad incident... hope he returns back safely... Wishing him and his family ... lots of good luck

Do you know his family ???😳

UPDATE:

 

From Missing to Found: Danish Man Resurfaces With Girlfriend in Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of ScandAsia

 

The baffling disappearance of 59-year-old Dane Brian Dilling Pedersen has unravelled into a love story. Discovered on Thursday in the serene district of Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pedersen was all smiles, living peacefully with his new girlfriend. Fears of foul play dissipated as the local police's swift search led them to the couple's whereabouts.

 

Before being officially reported as missing, authorities located Pedersen at his girlfriend's residence, where he'd been staying since checking out from a nearby guesthouse. Alongside his partner, he paid a visit to the local police station, joined by ScandAsia's Gregers Moller and two officers from the regional Tourist Police. Assuring everyone of his well-being, Pedersen clarified a misunderstanding with his family, confirming recent contact with his son and dismissing concerns of any distress.

 

Apologetic for the alarm caused, Pedersen stated, "I'm sorry if this has worried my family and friends in Denmark. My situation here is fantastic, and I'm very happy." The deleted Facebook page, a point of concern, was explained by Pedersen’s girlfriend in Thai, who revealed it was removed to shield his new relationship from his wife in Sakon Nakhon. Pedersen, on the other hand, cited security reasons, asserting the account had been compromised.

 

As the pieces of the puzzle fit, Pedersen is set to return to Denmark on 8 June 2025, aligning with his visa expiry the following day. His son, Steven Risager Madsen, expressed relief, ensuring gratitude for the collective efforts that resolved this unsettling episode. Pedersen's tale serves as a gentle reminder of the complexities in today’s digital age, with happy conclusions often nestled in simplicity.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ScandAsia 2025-06-05

 

 

50 minutes ago, Taboo2 said:

You must always have an exit strategy and keep your family members updated on your trips, especially when going "Up River" or parts unknown in this area of the world.  Start with that lady.

No,

some/many wouldn't like being found.

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

Pedersen is set to return to Denmark on 8 June 2025

 

Heart breaking for his 21 year old Thai girlfriend. 

 

Let's hope he can send some money to help her should she just happen to need it. 

8 minutes ago, webfact said:

The deleted Facebook page, a point of concern, was explained by Pedersen’s girlfriend in Thai, who revealed it was removed to shield his new relationship from his wife in Sakon Nakhon.

So in reality, no kidnapping or extortion Pederson just fancied a bit on the side !!

1 hour ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Yes, but that being the South, who knows... I heard strange stories, when I lived down there. Dated a mixed-race girl, who told me that her 'ex-boyfriend called her, pretending to be sick, while, at the same time, he had organised a bunch of Malaysians to gang-rape her'! According to her, the cops didn't even press charges against the Malaysians in order not to upset Thai-Malaysian relations!

 

And another girl told me that both of her parents were teachers, with both, a farm, and a money-lending business on the side. Apparently, the father owned several handguns, which, at times, he utilised in order to encourage punctual repayment of the loans... 😆 

Even Thais are scared of Nakhon Sri Thamarat.

A bloody and viscous province.

17 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

So in reality, no kidnapping or extortion Pederson just fancied a bit on the side !!

Mixed up with the infamously dangerous Thais from Nakhon Sri Thamarat and the dog eating Sakhon Nakhonians.

I doubt they will find his body.

Im happy his doing fine now The danish embassy should be notified first i mean when he went missing.

5 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Even Thais are scared of Nakhon Sri Thamarat.

A bloody and viscous province.

 

The two strange reports by the girls were from Songkhla and Phatthalung provinces, but, I guess, it's the same there...

At least someone lent him a comb.

13 hours ago, webfact said:

There is yet no definitive proof linking the young woman to any malpractice, though her Facebook post – “Have you got the agreed amount ready now?” – suggests Brian may be entangled in debt collection or other coercive activities.

Stung by a honey pot ?

2 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

Yes, there is, a 59-year-old getting involved with a 21-year-old. 

 

Another case of that mutual attraction a member replied to me about yesterday.

1 hour ago, MalcolmB said:

Mixed up with the infamously dangerous Thais from Nakhon Sri Thamarat and the dog eating Sakhon Nakhonians.

I doubt they will find his body.

Yup, just the mention of NST and his family back home were already dividing his wealth amongst themselves.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The deleted Facebook page, a point of concern, was explained by Pedersen’s girlfriend in Thai, who revealed it was removed to shield his new relationship from his wife in Sakon Nakhon. Pedersen, on the other hand, cited security reasons, asserting the account had been compromised.

 

Madly, truly, deeply, they deserve each other.

1 hour ago, MalcolmB said:

Even Thais are scared of Nakhon Sri Thamarat.

A bloody and viscous province.

 

Really? I worked there for a spell and never encountered anything viscous (sic).

 

The owner of the hotel I stayed at was the gorgeous mia luang for some ranking local cop, but that never got in the way of our... special relationship.

1 hour ago, MalcolmB said:

Mixed up with the infamously dangerous Thais from Nakhon Sri Thamarat and the dog eating Sakhon Nakhonians.

I doubt they will find his body.

Depends on how long time it will take to bleed him dry 😉 

Doesn’t sound good what the hell is he doing with a 21 year old . Let’s hope he is found safe and well !