Businessman With Washington Ties Feared Kidnapped In Thailand

[lemoncake]

I am rarely shocked by what i read this days, but this one is a bit of a shocker.

Why would someone kidnap him? this is just crazy

[Nam Plah]

I am rarely shocked by what i read this days, but this one is a bit of a shocker.

Why would someone kidnap him? this is just crazy

The conjecture is for his money.

He is still in trouble and has yet to receive justice or reclaim his house.

If anyone can help please PM me.

[jbrain]

In the process of filing a police report Nick and Harvey were informed

that the officer in charge wouldn't be available until after 9PM and

that they should go home and return at that time.

Nick requested police assistance in returning to his home which is now

occupied by his ex-gf and her uncle (?) and was told that there was

nothing to worry about and he should return alone.

Nick wanted to retrieve important documents and personal valuables from his home so that his ex couldn't get her hands on them.

Upon returning to his home he was confronted by development security

guards who in addition to his ex denied him entry to his house at which

point the police were summoned and his ex accused Nick of attempting to

break into his OWN home which she claims as her property.

Harvey and Nick were then escorted by police back to the Dongtan

substation where they currently wait and wonder if they are to be

charged.

We are very worried about this ongoing situation and if any ex-pat

community members have recourse or resources to lend at this time to

either raise public awareness or intervene in this matter we could use

the help.

Note that all of the information about this case is coming in first hand

and I am only recapitulating what has been reported to me.

If the house is in her name, and they are not married then it is indeed her property, and police will not be able to assist him.

[noitom]

Sad for the Springer family and friends. This is a typical Thai story. Note the comments by Sims - "there is a lot of crime here." Well, that's obvious but too general. Kidnapping for ransom or some other sort of personal gain is a common thing. This story should be a caution to anyone contemplating living in Thailand and most certainly the proviso regarding going in to business in Thailand. As a known TV mafioso, Tony Soprano would say, fuggeddaboutit.

[EyesWideOpen]

An odd story now. Since the wife is free and perhaps rummaging through his papers, is it safe to assume a police swat team did not break into her house and find Nick trussed up with a IV drug line in his arm?? The ownership of " his" house is somewhat irrelevant and a long term separate issue. The police certainly should have allowed him into the house to collect personal papers..

[Nam Plah]

Sad for the Springer family and friends. This is a typical Thai story. Note the comments by Sims - "there is a lot of crime here." Well, that's obvious but too general. Kidnapping for ransom or some other sort of personal gain is a common thing. This story should be a caution to anyone contemplating living in Thailand and most certainly the proviso regarding going in to business in Thailand. As a known TV mafioso, Tony Soprano would say, fuggeddaboutit.

Thailand is a valuable and robust trading partner with the US for export goods and manufacturing as detailed here:

http://export.gov/thailand/doingbusinessinthailand/

[jrincon17]

Good god, could be a number of things !

[Nam Plah]

An odd story now. Since the wife is free and perhaps rummaging through his papers, is it safe to assume a police swat team did not break into her house and find Nick trussed up with a IV drug line in his arm?? The ownership of " his" house is somewhat irrelevant and a long term separate issue. The police certainly should have allowed him into the house to collect personal papers..

We think that Nick has been dosed with a hypnotic as he appears lucid but has no memory of the past 3 days (he may still be operating under the effects of some drug).

IF he was under the influence of a powerful sedative for the last 60 hours he would certainly not be behaving in a normal manner as he appears.

Scopalamine (or something similar) should not be discounted.

Whether she managed to drain his bank accounts prior to returning him has yet to be established as only Nick will be able to ascertain his balance now that his accounts are frozen.

The lady in question returned him to Pattaya and appeared to wait at the house for police to come and we assumed that Nick was in the clear but the events of the past several hours indicate otherwise.

[Jim walker]

It’s nice to get a story on TV with a good outcome for a change, if he is only losing a house and some cash; I am sure over time these things can be replaced by the sounds of things he could have lost something more precious that could never be replaced.

[MrRed]

Whose house is it?

Does he have a lawyer in Pattaya?

What part does she play in the business venture?

Does he still have his bank cards on his person?

Can you take him to the hospital for a test on the drug you mentioned?

What are the police doing about the abduction of him?

So many questions need answering but this thai lady seems very clever or as per usual just plain brazen in the face of the law

[surangw]

If this turns out to be for ransom ( and its publicized ) it may bring on a wave of abductions for profit.

[Nam Plah]

Whose house is it?

Does he have a lawyer in Pattaya?

What part does she play in the business venture?

Does he still have his bank cards on his person?

Can you take him to the hospital for a test on the drug you mentioned?

What are the police doing about the abduction of him?

So many questions need answering but this thai lady seems very clever or as per usual just plain brazen in the face of the law

Nick's house.

Nick has a lawyer in Pattaya.

Unknown but assumed to be a Thai nominee.

Unknown.

Initial doctor visit said 2 weeks for blood results and Nick wanted to seek better and faster care but has not been able to as of yet.

Police are currently conducting "investigation".

[jbrain]

Whose house is it?

Does he have a lawyer in Pattaya?

What part does she play in the business venture?

Does he still have his bank cards on his person?

Can you take him to the hospital for a test on the drug you mentioned?

What are the police doing about the abduction of him?

So many questions need answering but this thai lady seems very clever or as per usual just plain brazen in the face of the law

Nick's house.

Nick has a lawyer in Pattaya.

Unknown but assumed to be a Thai nominee.

Unknown.

Initial doctor visit said 2 weeks for blood results and Nick wanted to seek better and faster care but has not been able to as of yet.

Police are currently conducting "investigation".

How does Nick own a house in Thailand ? Americans can own 100% of certain companies, but can not own a house like any other foreigner.

[Nam Plah]

Whose house is it?

Does he have a lawyer in Pattaya?

What part does she play in the business venture?

Does he still have his bank cards on his person?

Can you take him to the hospital for a test on the drug you mentioned?

What are the police doing about the abduction of him?

So many questions need answering but this thai lady seems very clever or as per usual just plain brazen in the face of the law

Nick's house.

Nick has a lawyer in Pattaya.

Unknown but assumed to be a Thai nominee.

Unknown.

Initial doctor visit said 2 weeks for blood results and Nick wanted to seek better and faster care but has not been able to as of yet.

Police are currently conducting "investigation".

How does Nick own a house in Thailand ? Americans can own 100% of certain companies, but can not own a house like any other foreigner.

He bought it.

Are you for real?

http://www.ajarn.com/blogs/neil-mcdonough/how-a-foreigner-can-buy-real-estate-in-thailand/

[jbrain]

Whose house is it?

Does he have a lawyer in Pattaya?

What part does she play in the business venture?

Does he still have his bank cards on his person?

Can you take him to the hospital for a test on the drug you mentioned?

What are the police doing about the abduction of him?

So many questions need answering but this thai lady seems very clever or as per usual just plain brazen in the face of the law

Nick's house.

Nick has a lawyer in Pattaya.

Unknown but assumed to be a Thai nominee.

Unknown.

Initial doctor visit said 2 weeks for blood results and Nick wanted to seek better and faster care but has not been able to as of yet.

Police are currently conducting "investigation".

How does Nick own a house in Thailand ? Americans can own 100% of certain companies, but can not own a house like any other foreigner.

He bought it.

Are you for real?

http://www.ajarn.com/blogs/neil-mcdonough/how-a-foreigner-can-buy-real-estate-in-thailand/

Yes I am for real. A foreinger can not buy land in Thailand.

He can buy a condominium in his name but not a piece of land with a house on it.

He can construct a company to buy the house in which he can have maximum 49% of the shares.

It's all in the link you provided, other than that it is outdated and there now only 3 shareholders instead of 7.

And to be precise, if the company owns real estate, the foreigner can have only 39% of the shares by Thai law.

See I'm real?

Edited April 27, 2013 by jbrain

[NeverSure]

An inflammatory post towards Americans has been removed as well as the replies.

Thanks. I'm out of "likes" for the day.

[MrRed]

So it begs the question why is his lawyer not getting him access to his own home?

How is it unknown if he has his cards in his wallet or not? surely his business partner is able to ascertain this important info.

[Nam Plah]

So it begs the question why is his lawyer not getting him access to his own home?

How is it unknown if he has his cards in his wallet or not? surely his business partner is able to ascertain this important info.

This is all unfolding and negotiations between Nick's lawyer, the ex-gf and the police are ongoing.

His business partner may know but I haven't been informed specifically other than I was told that when Nick was asked where his passport and ATM card were he replied he was uncertain.

Bearing in mind that he has apparently been drugged for the last 60+ hours and there is a lot of confusion both in his mind and in the information I am receiving.

[jbrain]

Whose house is it?

Does he have a lawyer in Pattaya?

What part does she play in the business venture?

Does he still have his bank cards on his person?

Can you take him to the hospital for a test on the drug you mentioned?

What are the police doing about the abduction of him?

So many questions need answering but this thai lady seems very clever or as per usual just plain brazen in the face of the law

Nick's house.

Nick has a lawyer in Pattaya.

Unknown but assumed to be a Thai nominee.

Unknown.

Initial doctor visit said 2 weeks for blood results and Nick wanted to seek better and faster care but has not been able to as of yet.

Police are currently conducting "investigation".

How does Nick own a house in Thailand ? Americans can own 100% of certain companies, but can not own a house like any other foreigner.

He bought it.

Are you for real?

http://www.ajarn.com/blogs/neil-mcdonough/how-a-foreigner-can-buy-real-estate-in-thailand/

Actually this is written in the link you provided

Option 2 however is the method chosen by foreign investors that feel they do not have the above luxury. They are open to start a company in Thailand in which they can own 49% of the shares. This may sound unappealing, but with the other shares split over 7 or more locals and more than often none of them having any voting rights or knowledge of each other, most foreign investors realize that the company is controlled by them. This means that the property purchased can be placed under the umbrella of the company and therefore controlled by the foreign director.

Unfortunately for your friend had the ex-gf very good knowledge of the other shareholders, which is not so difficult as it are probably only 3 people since that law has changed, and is using this now.

I don't want to have a go at the misfortune of Nick, but this is the reality in this country.

[Beetlejuice]

Glad to here that this Nick fella has returned safely.

Both my son and nephew are police officers here in Chiang Mai and I know how the police think and work.

It is alleged that his Thai girlfriend denied this Nick access into his own home. If the property is in fact registered in the name of his Thai girlfriend or any of her associates, the home under Thai law, unless there are some legal documents, i.e. a lease or the home is part of the assets of the company owned by Nick, than the said property does belong to the girlfriend and she has the right to deny Nick entry onto the property if he is only officially assumed himself as a boyfriend and there is no paperwork to prove otherwise.

The police will not assist with any evictions of the present property occupiers because as far as they concerned this is not a criminal matter, but only a domestic and is a civil case. Even if this Nick has the property registered with his own Thai nominee, the police will still consider this matter as a civil case.

How the police operate here is, that they are rarely into crime prevention or putting themselves out. They usually wait until the worst happens, then they may decide to investigate.

My advice is; if you have not already done so, if this Nick and his associates has done everything on the level, strictly within the boundaries under Thai law, then go to a lawyer pronto and get him/her to begin immediate negotiations with the police on behalf of the friends and business partners, otherwise events could escalate and the consequences maybe much worse next time.

Edited April 27, 2013 by Beetlejuice

[timewilltell]

Is there some reason the police here are so inept? A rhetorical question really!

[Kularion]

Whose house is it?

Does he have a lawyer in Pattaya?

What part does she play in the business venture?

Does he still have his bank cards on his person?

Can you take him to the hospital for a test on the drug you mentioned?

What are the police doing about the abduction of him?

So many questions need answering but this thai lady seems very clever or as per usual just plain brazen in the face of the law

Nick's house.

Nick has a lawyer in Pattaya.

Unknown but assumed to be a Thai nominee.

Unknown.

Initial doctor visit said 2 weeks for blood results and Nick wanted to seek better and faster care but has not been able to as of yet.

Police are currently conducting "investigation".

How does Nick own a house in Thailand ? Americans can own 100% of certain companies, but can not own a house like any other foreigner.

Maybe by house he though condo...

[Wat dee]

"ongoing quest must be to assure that he isn't worth more dead than alive"

That is a gem of wisdom... There are a lot of expats with their Thai wives aka opportunist employees.

So few seem concerned about having their oatmeal poisoned etc when the guy is old and the wife would like the assets to herself.

Or a greedy family member looking to help improve the families situation. Having a Will leaving them additional wealth after the house and car.. That's like putting an invisible bounty on your death.

Heads up

Agreed... Tell your loving Thai wife/girlfriend that every month you received a fixed sum of money every month from an account back in your home country. Then tell her if you died, the money will cease instantly. By this system you will live a long and happy life here...

Hard to know with limited facts , but it looks like a unhappy girlfriend being cut off from the gravy train. From the Seattle newspaper Kirotv.com story.

"His ex-girlfriend had been threatening him for a long time Sims said."

Jeesus... Some people are just amazing. Why would you live with someone in a country where you have to take these measures to have a relationship?

Treat your partner with love and respect and enjoy your life, work's for me.

[lemonjelly]

"ongoing quest must be to assure that he isn't worth more dead than alive"

That is a gem of wisdom... There are a lot of expats with their Thai wives aka opportunist employees.

So few seem concerned about having their oatmeal poisoned etc when the guy is old and the wife would like the assets to herself.

Or a greedy family member looking to help improve the families situation. Having a Will leaving them additional wealth after the house and car.. That's like putting an invisible bounty on your death.

Heads up

Agreed... Tell your loving Thai wife/girlfriend that every month you received a fixed sum of money every month from an account back in your home country. Then tell her if you died, the money will cease instantly. By this system you will live a long and happy life here...

Hard to know with limited facts , but it looks like a unhappy girlfriend being cut off from the gravy train. From the Seattle newspaper Kirotv.com story.

"His ex-girlfriend had been threatening him for a long time Sims said."

Jeesus... Some people are just amazing. Why would you live with someone in a country where you have to take these measures to have a relationship?

Treat your partner with love and respect and enjoy your life, work's for me.

you're new here i see.........

Edited April 27, 2013 by lemonjelly

[Whidbeyboy]

Sadly this may not end well. Thailand is notorious for removing the expat's (not just bosses) when business and money become their target. Good luck Mr Springer.

PS. Don't rely on any help from Thai Police. Their reputation precedes them - unless of course you pay.

I have heard that. This guy is a local as I live on Whidbey Island too. What has happened in Thailand that so much crime and corruption has become so prevalent now. Sounds like Mexico or worse.

A lawyer told me that the locals would be all friendly helping to start your business and then take it right from under you if it succeeds.

My wife no longer talks about retiring there as she thinks it has gotten so corrupt and many other places in Asia appear more inviting now, and less tourist sounds good to me. I prefer a quite country life then the bar seen and cheap woman on every corner due to the lack of opportunity, a Government issue that is lacking.

Guess for me Thailand will be a occasional destination not a home. I know of better places since it has become a place of questionable living where expats need to look over their shoulder constantly.

Like the say goes. Nothing gold can stay.

[Wat dee]

"ongoing quest must be to assure that he isn't worth more dead than alive"

That is a gem of wisdom... There are a lot of expats with their Thai wives aka opportunist employees.

So few seem concerned about having their oatmeal poisoned etc when the guy is old and the wife would like the assets to herself.

Or a greedy family member looking to help improve the families situation. Having a Will leaving them additional wealth after the house and car.. That's like putting an invisible bounty on your death.

Heads up

Agreed... Tell your loving Thai wife/girlfriend that every month you received a fixed sum of money every month from an account back in your home country. Then tell her if you died, the money will cease instantly. By this system you will live a long and happy life here...

Hard to know with limited facts , but it looks like a unhappy girlfriend being cut off from the gravy train. From the Seattle newspaper Kirotv.com story.

"His ex-girlfriend had been threatening him for a long time Sims said."

Jeesus... Some people are just amazing. Why would you live with someone in a country where you have to take these measures to have a relationship?

Treat your partner with love and respect and enjoy your life, work's for me.

you're new here i see.........

You mean TV?

[Beetlejuice]

Sadly this may not end well. Thailand is notorious for removing the expat's (not just bosses) when business and money become their target. Good luck Mr Springer.

PS. Don't rely on any help from Thai Police. Their reputation precedes them - unless of course you pay.

I have heard that. This guy is a local as I live on Whidbey Island too. What has happened in Thailand that so much crime and corruption has become so prevalent now. Sounds like Mexico or worse.

A lawyer told me that the locals would be all friendly helping to start your business and then take it right from under you if it succeeds.

My wife no longer talks about retiring there as she thinks it has gotten so corrupt and many other places in Asia appear more inviting now, and less tourist sounds good to me. I prefer a quite country life then the bar seen and cheap woman on every corner due to the lack of opportunity, a Government issue that is lacking.

Guess for me Thailand will be a occasional destination not a home. I know of better places since it has become a place of questionable living where expats need to look over their shoulder constantly.

Like the say goes. Nothing gold can stay.

Sorry, but that`s total nonsense.

Take heed of the golden rules for living a happy, safe and peaceful life in Thailand:

Keep within the laws at all times. Including property, land, business dealings and business ownerships.

If consider running a business, make sure it is not treading on any Thais turf, whether legal or not.

Always completely cover your asses, meaning, maintaining full control over of your assets. Never leave yourself vulnerable by placing money, real estate, land, businesses, vehicles, or anything of value in the hands of others purely on trust. NEVER - under any circumstances.

Do not become involved, meaning, choose carefully your girlfriends (think with your brains not your dangly bits), friends, business associates and never do or go into anything that is prohibited to Westerners under the Thai Immigration laws.

Always play everything you do in Thailand by the book. Anyone who tries to bend the laws or cover up their true purpose and activities, do so at their own risk and discretion.

Follow these guidelines, play it safe, don`t leave yourselves vulnerable and avoid becoming involved with the wrong crowd.

[glassdude007]

Just read this whole thread ...very interesting...

I'm afraid someday in the near future..

that all these Thai owned farang companies will be exploited buy the thai authorities...

to prove that they are a legal enterprise not just a front for a home or buissness.....?

Has this kidnaping event been covered in the local Pattaya press???

This is the only place i can find any info on this..??

[Patron]

"ongoing quest must be to assure that he isn't worth more dead than alive"

That is a gem of wisdom... There are a lot of expats with their Thai wives aka opportunist employees.

So few seem concerned about having their oatmeal poisoned etc when the guy is old and the wife would like the assets to herself.

Or a greedy family member looking to help improve the families situation. Having a Will leaving them additional wealth after the house and car.. That's like putting an invisible bounty on your death.

Heads up

Agreed... Tell your loving Thai wife/girlfriend that every month you received a fixed sum of money every month from an account back in your home country. Then tell her if you died, the money will cease instantly. By this system you will live a long and happy life here...

Hard to know with limited facts , but it looks like a unhappy girlfriend being cut off from the gravy train. From the Seattle newspaper Kirotv.com story.

"His ex-girlfriend had been threatening him for a long time Sims said."

Jeesus... Some people are just amazing. Why would you live with someone in a country where you have to take these measures to have a relationship?

Treat your partner with love and respect and enjoy your life, work's for me.

you're new here i see.........

I treat my wife of 7yrs with love and respect and enjoy my life,works for me.

[billaaa777]

Has this kidnaping event been covered in the local Pattaya press???

This is the only place i can find any info on this..??

Not in the papers yet, I looked.

Let's see if it ends up in one of them.