"Mom, I've been kidnapped, send money"…Contact lost son found 'fine' when visiting home

Local Police Raid Home
Resting, "Needed Living Expenses..."

A man in his 20s from Korea was arrested by Thai police after staging a 'fake kidnapping' to secure living expenses for his Thai girlfriend.

According to Pattaya News on the 5th (local time), local police arrested Kim (24), a Korean residing in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, the day before.

The incident began when Kim called his parents living in Korea. Kim told his parents, "I was kidnapped just before boarding a flight to Korea at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport," and "I was also assaulted." After this call, he lost contact with his parents.

[Image source=Asia Economy DB]

Startled, Kim's parents immediately sought help from the Korean Embassy in Thailand. Upon receiving the report, Thai police promptly launched a rescue operation.

The police confirmed Kim's address and went directly to his residence. However, Kim was calmly resting at home. When confronted by the police, he fled to the backyard but was quickly apprehended.

During the police investigation, Kim stated, "I needed money to live with my Thai girlfriend," and "I repeatedly asked my parents to send money, but since they did not, I lied." He admitted, "I was never kidnapped or assaulted."

Additionally, the police investigation revealed that he was staying illegally in Thailand. It was confirmed that Kim's visa had expired approximately 497 days ago. Currently, Kim is detained in Thailand and under investigation.

Thai media The Tiger reported, "According to the law, Kim may have to pay a fine or be deported," and "He may also be blacklisted, preventing him from returning to Thailand."