Crime 27-Year-Old Man Missing, Later Found Detained in Laos with 10,000 Baht Ransom Demand

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of kaoded

 

A 27-year-old man from Chiang Rai has reportedly been detained in Laos under mysterious circumstances, with his captors demanding a ransom of 10,000 baht. His family remains in the dark about the reasons behind his detention and his current condition.

 

The missing man, identified as Mr Wathanyu Chantaphun, known to his family and friends as “Fluke”, was last seen leaving his home in Ban Tham village, Pong Ngam sub-district, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, on 28 June. He had informed his grandparents, with whom he lived, that he was going to work for a local transport company with a friend. Carrying only a small bag, he walked out of the alley near his home and disappeared.

 

According to his father, Mr Nitipat Chantaphun 54, Fluke was reachable by phone from 28 June to 1 July, but no one answered his calls. By 2 July, the phone appeared to have been switched off. Fearing for his safety, the family filed a missing person report with Mae Sai Police and took to social media in hopes of finding leads.

 

Shortly after, friends informed the family that Fluke had contacted them using a Lao mobile number. He claimed he had been detained across the border in Laos, near the Kings Roman Casino in the Golden Triangle area opposite Chiang Saen District. The message relayed by his friends said Fluke was allegedly being held by Lao officials who demanded 15,000 baht, later negotiated down to 10,000 baht, for his release.

 

Mr Nitipat visited Chiang Saen Immigration Office to verify whether his son had crossed the border legally, but immigration officials found no record of him departing through official checkpoints, leading to fears he may have crossed into Laos via an unofficial route.

 

The family has since been advised to contact the Thai Consulate for further assistance. Mr Nitipat has pleaded publicly for his son to make direct contact, saying the entire family is deeply concerned.

 

Fluke’s 73-year-old grandmother, Mrs Ampan Chantaphun, who raised him from the age of 11, described him as a quiet and reserved individual. Tearfully, she urged him to return or reach out. “If something is wrong, tell Grandma. We’re all very worried. I miss you.”

 

The family also reported receiving a call from a foreign phone number, believed to be connected to Fluke, but did not answer it due to fears of it being a scam.

 

As of now, the young man’s fate remains uncertain. Authorities continue to investigate the situation while the family hopes for a safe return.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-07-09