Homeless Swede found on Bangkok street

[webfact]

Foreign Homeless Man Found In Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A foreign man who had been fooled out of all his money has been found homeless on the street of Bangkok.

Recently- the reporters revealed that a social network site had posted a picture of a foreigner and appealed for help from anyone. The picture was of a foreigner who had been fooled by a Thai girl and was begging in and around Nana district.

According to the source he was identified as Mr Leif Christer a 45 year old Swedish man. He was homeless and was staying near the road in Nana district. Someone questioned him and he claimed that he had been fooled by a Thai girl. He had no money and had lost his passport.

The Mirror Foundation had made a statement about this after they had been notified. They revealed that Mr.Leif Christer had traveled to Thailand 3 times before and had no relatives back in his homeland.

Also he was an alcoholic and was suffering from a depressive disorder. They confirmed that the story was true and he had been tricked out of all his money.

The Mirror Foundation indicated that the Swedish embassy didn’t believe the story because they couldn’t find any data on his relatives.

Also Mr. Leif Christer didn’t want to go back home because he was afraid that he might be blacklisted and wouldn’t be able to travel to Thailand again. Plus he had no money to cover the 40,000 baht travelling cost so the Mirror Foundation will help him according to humanitarian moral.

Source: http://www.pattayadailynews.com/pattaya-news/foreign-homeless-man-found-bangkok/


-- Pattaya Daily News 2014-08-25

[96tehtarp]

He's Swedish. Sweden has one of the most extensive and generous welfare systems in the world. I personally know a Swedish resident (not even a citizen) who was recently flown home from the IDC.

If this man is not insane then he must want to sleep on the street near nana plaza. After rereading the OP it appears the man has mental issues. Let's hope he gets home soon and on proper medication and into rehab.

Edited August 25, 2014 by 96tehtarp

[The Deerhunter]

He's Swedish. Sweden has one of the most extensive and generous welfare systems in the world. I personally know a Swedish resident (not even a citizen) who was recently flown home from the IDC.

If this man is not insane then he must want to sleep on the street near nana plaza. After rereading the OP it appears the man has mental issues. Let's hope he gets home soon and on proper medication and into rehab.

Like many expats, addicted to alcohol & Thai female pheremones. And this isn't even a troll post or a joke. Poor unfortunate guy.

[Franky Bear]

He's Swedish. Sweden has one of the most extensive and generous welfare systems in the world. I personally know a Swedish resident (not even a citizen) who was recently flown home from the IDC.

If this man is not insane then he must want to sleep on the street near nana plaza. After rereading the OP it appears the man has mental issues. Let's hope he gets home soon and on proper medication and into rehab.

Like many expats, addicted to alcohol & Thai female pheremones. And this isn't even a troll post or a joke. Poor unfortunate guy.

Thailand is a country you need to be a strong willed person. Make sure you control Thailand not allow Thailand, especially Pattaya, Patong etc control you.

[bendywire]

I doubt he will be in Thailand much longer after all this publicity. Pick him up, give him a good bath and some medical care and send him home. This wouldn't cost as much as sticking in in a jail I'm sure. Aresting him serves no real purpose to anyone. He needs help and I hope he gets that help.

[jspill]

A Thai friend showing me this story on social media said she read in the comments that an Austrian expat previously paid for his flight home. The swede then later returned to Thailand to get himself back into the same destitute state.

[moe666]

I know this guy been around for years back and forth between Thailand and Sweden. He lived with the sister of my girlfriend until the sister was killed in an accident about 3 or 4 years ago. Unless you have to help people to feel good about yourselves do not give this guy a dime or a baht it will be spent on hong tong

[Kerryd]

Thailand:

Makes a hard man humble and a soft man crumble.

Surely the Swedish Embassy would have some information about the guy. Even if he no longer has any relatives (like me) there would still be records, as well as verifiable information (like, where was he living in Sweden, driver's license, job, etc).

So many similar stories. Repeat visitor. "Tricked" out his entire life savings. No plane ticket. No passport. Overstayed visa. (No relatives/friends or none that can afford to send money.)

And people wonder why so many foreigners in Thailand studiously avoid other foreigners.

[96tehtarp]

Thailand:

Makes a hard man humble and a soft man crumble.

Surely the Swedish Embassy would have some information about the guy. Even if he no longer has any relatives (like me) there would still be records, as well as verifiable information (like, where was he living in Sweden, driver's license, job, etc).

So many similar stories. Repeat visitor. "Tricked" out his entire life savings. No plane ticket. No passport. Overstayed visa. (No relatives/friends or none that can afford to send money.)

And people wonder why so many foreigners in Thailand studiously avoid other foreigners.

Previous posters in this thread have indicated he's done this before. He's a serial repeat hobo and chooses to live this way.

I've talked to homeless people in large cities of rich western countries. They prefer to live on the street. It is very difficult to understand.

[trainman34014]

He should be got back to Sweden by whatever means possible and then have his passport revoked. Give him freedom to travel again and he will be back causing more problems. Easily sorted if the Swedish Government gets off its arse.

[DrLom]

He came here and found out what it's all about. Unfortunately, his addiction made it impossible to get by. He should go home, before he destroys himself, and destroys what's left of his esteem, if indeed he has any left. Why stay near Nana? He would find more help in the woods!

[Badbanker]

Sadly this is common story with Swedes! Yes it is the low cost of lubricants!

I personally know this man and he is a repeat offender and really doesn't want to go back to Sweden.

He is very obvious in his location and when I offered to have him sent back to Sweden he said he did not want to go.

So as usual the media is only telling half the truth!

[jacky54]

What visa does he have? probably an over stayer so put him in the IDC and see how he likes that.

[rak sa_ngop]

He should be got back to Sweden by whatever means possible and then have his passport revoked. Give him freedom to travel again and he will be back causing more problems. Easily sorted if the Swedish Government gets off its arse.

Not sure about this. If he chooses to be a hobo in Thailand why would the Swedish Government want to waste public money supporting somebody who contributes nothing to society and does not even want to be there?

Better to be cruel to be kind. Let him live the life he chooses for himself.

[useronthenet]

Personally I think more warnings should go out to foreigners wishing to come to Thailand, and the pitfalls that lie ahead.

One in particular is getting married, for which in most cases serves as no particular advantage, since the foreigner is not entitled to any special rights or privileges, if they intend to stay in Thailand. The second one would be buying property, which as most know, gives you virtually no rights in ownership. I agree that you must be streetwise when it comes to Thais, as they will take advantage whenever possible. My advise to you all out there, is sure come to Thailand, but don't take your money with you. Get as much advise as possible, and test the water by putting in your toe first, not the whole foot.

With regards to this Swede, it's quite clear he is perhaps a victim of circumstance, clearly not prepared to deal with the harshness of Thailand, which is a far different cry from his home country, where help is on hand, courtesy of the social welfare that exists. Therefore, I think the authorities should deport him once his visa runs out (if it hasn't already), and insist the Swedish authorities give him a temporary passport. It would be very easy to confirm his citizenship.

[GinBoy2]

The story was also carried in the Bangkok Post, little difference in that they stated that after being 'swindled' out of his money he still had his passport and the Swedish Embassy had refused him help. All sounded fishy when I read it, and the comments here and on the BP do suggest he has been offered a ticket home several times. I'm going with the alcoholic mentally ill version of the story. The swindled bit, well I'm just more inclined to think that just means he spent his money on on drink, drugs and hookers...maybe in his head that equals 'swindled'

Typical of journalistic quality, none of the 'esteemed' newspapers who carried this actually thought to pick up the phone and call the Swedish Embassy to actually confirm the story

[nottocus]

I feel sorry for these swedes...having to live amongst the dirt and insects and crap like that.

Edited August 25, 2014 by nottocus

[ratcatcher]

Personally I think more warnings should go out to foreigners wishing to come to Thailand, and the pitfalls that lie ahead.

One in particular is getting married, for which in most cases serves as no particular advantage, since the foreigner is not entitled to any special rights or privileges, if they intend to stay in Thailand. The second one would be buying property, which as most know, gives you virtually no rights in ownership. I agree that you must be streetwise when it comes to Thais, as they will take advantage whenever possible. My advise to you all out there, is sure come to Thailand, but don't take your money with you. Get as much advise as possible, and test the water by putting in your toe first, not the whole foot.

With regards to this Swede, it's quite clear he is perhaps a victim of circumstance, clearly not prepared to deal with the harshness of Thailand, which is a far different cry from his home country, where help is on hand, courtesy of the social welfare that exists. Therefore, I think the authorities should deport him once his visa runs out (if it hasn't already), and insist the Swedish authorities give him a temporary passport. It would be very easy to confirm his citizenship.

Personally I think more warnings should go out to foreigners men in their home countries wishing to Thailand, marry and the pitfalls that lie ahead.

Men all over the world often think with their small head and not the one between their ears. Thai women take advantage of men who can neither keep their dick or their wallet in their pants. Men and women marry for love and sometimes money and the vast majority live happy and satisfying lives together.

Women everywhere recognize fools and they and their money are soon parted.

As for the Swede, sadly, he is a loser and an alcoholic who needs help and won't find it here. Back to Stockholm and some care.

[DrLom]

since the foreigner is not entitled to any special rights or privileges, if they intend to stay in Thailand. The second one would be buying property, which as most know, gives you virtually no rights in ownership.

FAIL.

And fail in a big way! You need to catch up on laws, and not what your bar-girl intelligence leads you to believe.

You are, as you write, one of the mosts that don't know about buying a home with rights.

[benbear]

What visa does he have? probably an over stayer so put him in the IDC and see how he likes that.

You have a heart of gold.

[thesetat2013]

He should be got back to Sweden by whatever means possible and then have his passport revoked. Give him freedom to travel again and he will be back causing more problems. Easily sorted if the Swedish Government gets off its arse.

Not sure about this. If he chooses to be a hobo in Thailand why would the Swedish Government want to waste public money supporting somebody who contributes nothing to society and does not even want to be there?

Better to be cruel to be kind. Let him live the life he chooses for himself.

So what you are saying is that its better he stays sleeping on the streets of BKK and begging money from tourists and locals? Doesn't that paint a pretty picture of tourists and of Thailand. Maybe you should recommend they use that photo for their tourism logo as well... Isn't it bad enough Thai people see us as either rich or cheap?

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[cgphuket]

Not sure what is more strange, that this is considered news, or that people actually believe his story. If I had 100 baht for ever sob story by a foreigner who actually self-inflicted there own problems.....

[Bender]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I know this guy been around for years back and forth between Thailand and Sweden. He lived with the sister of my girlfriend until the sister was killed in an accident about 3 or 4 years ago. Unless you have to help people to feel good about yourselves do not give this guy a dime or a baht it will be spent on hong tong

Sadly this is common story with Swedes! Yes it is the low cost of lubricants!

I personally know this man and he is a repeat offender and really doesn't want to go back to Sweden.

He is very obvious in his location and when I offered to have him sent back to Sweden he said he did not want to go.

So as usual the media is only telling half the truth!

"I know this guy been around for years"

"I personally know this man"

What a small small world !!!

Any others tv members who know this guys?

[GinBoy2]

Not sure what is more strange, that this is considered news, or that people actually believe his story. If I had 100 baht for ever sob story by a foreigner who actually self-inflicted there own problems.....

Of course it's a slow news day

Suthep's a monk, Yingluck is shopping in Lotus, Thaskin is channeling love and forgiveness, Abbhist is..well he has never done anything, so he doesn't count, and General has already swapped his snappy white uniform for a badly fitting suit!

What else are can poor journalists of Thailand report about?

Edited August 25, 2014 by GinBoy2

[SOMeTOM]

He's all over FaceBook already, and from the comments, it's seems thais believe every single things journalists are writing, not even the slightest doubt about what's been written.....TIT

[bannork]

I feel sorry for these swedes...having to live amongst the dirt and insects and crap like that.

This explains why Swedes are down to earth folks who maintain their roots.

[Jim walker]

Plenty local beggars’ fighting for every baht without the Swedish starting to muscle in on the event get him off the street lock him up or have him deported and blacklisted he is just an embarrassment to all decent foreigners living here.

[Basil B]

Sadly this is common story with Swedes! Yes it is the low cost of lubricants!

I personally know this man and he is a repeat offender and really doesn't want to go back to Sweden.

He is very obvious in his location and when I offered to have him sent back to Sweden he said he did not want to go.

So as usual the media is only telling half the truth!

Seems some have found out that Thai's are compassionate, and the odd farang taking pity on them too...

And as pointed out as soon as they are shipped home and can raise enough money to buy a cheep air ticket they will be back.

[webfact]

Swede lives on the streets of Bangkok after allegedly being swindled out of his life savings

BANGKOK: -- SwedishA 45 year old Swedish man begs to survive and sleeps on the sidewalk of Soi Nana (Sukhumvit Soi 4), just 3 months ago he is said to have arrived in Thailand with his life savings of more than a million THB. The story of the homeless Swede has passed through several social media and news sites the last couple of days.

Pharmacist, Pemika Jiawong, works close to Soi Nana. She tries to help the homeless Swede by visiting him on her way home from work. Pemika retold the story of the homeless Swede to Bangkok Post; he arrived in Thailand in May with his life savings, hoping to settle down with an unidentified Thai woman whom he had met late last year. But the woman swindled him out of his money, leaving him with only his passport and a few belongings.

According to Ms Pemika the Swedish man wants to return to his home country and has contacted the Swedish Embassy to get help on several occasions. At the 13th of August Sittipol Chuprajon who runs The Mirror Foundation’s project “Patients on Streets”, met the Swede. Mr. Sittipol told Bangkok Post that back then the man did not want to go back to Sweden because he had no relatives there and was afraid to be blacklisted and banned from reentering Thailand.

ScandAsia contacted the Swedish Embassy. Senior consular officer Par Kageby, confirmed that the embassy knows of the case, but he made it clear that he is not allowed to comment on a specific case. He did however tell that every year there is 50-60 cases were the Swedish Embassy needs to help citizens getting back home. According to Par Kageby, it differs how long it takes to help a citizen home, but eventually the success rate is 100%. He makes it clear that the embassy can only help when a citizen cooperates and wants to return to Sweden.

Depressed and in visa trouble

In Bangkok Post Ms Pemika says that the Swede seems depressed and due to a recent operation needs urinal catheters. She helps by providing the catheters and visits him on a daily basis to “release his depression”.

When it comes to illness, according to Par Kageby, the Swedish Embassy will and can help if the condition of a citizen becomes life threatening. But generally speaking, when a Swedish citizen falls ill in a country outside of the EU, the Swedish state will not pay for their treatment or cover their medical bills.

Mr. Sittipol tells the Bangkok Post, that if the Swedish man is picked up by the police on an expired visa, he would be held in custody for a long time pending deportation.

If a Swedish citizens has overstayed his or her visa, and can’t afford the overstay fee, the embassy are not allowed to use governmental funds to pay for it. According to Par Kageby the normal procedure is for the Swedish Embassy to help raising funds via friends and family.

If the homeless Swede wants to return home but can’t afford the visa overstay he might be in luck. According to Bangkok Post concerned people have called Mirror Foundation and other charity agencies to launch a donation campaign to help him.

Source: http://scandasia.com/swede-lives-on-the-streets-of-bangkok-after-allegedly-being-swindled-out-of-his-lifesavings/

-- ScandAsia 2014-08-25

[balo]

Well, there are homeless people in Sweden too who chooses to live on the streets instead of being offered free welfare. And the winters in Scandinavia can be freezing cold so I think he's just happy living in a tropical climate. He will not leave the streets on his own without help.