Dutch TV Personality Emile Ratelband Leaves Thailand Without Recorded Return

Key summary

Thai immigration police confirmed on Saturday that Dutch television personality Emile Ratelband, 77, departed Thailand in late 2025 and has not been recorded as returning. Deputy Commissioner Choengron Rimpadee stated that authorities have launched an investigation following reports from the Netherlands that Ratelband's family and relatives in Phuket are seeking information about his whereabouts. Immigration records indicate that Ratelband and a female companion named Natalia entered Thailand via Suvarnabhumi Airport in December 2021 on valid visas, with accommodation registered in the lower central region. In late 2025, Ratelband exited through the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to Laos, while Natalia flew from Suvarnabhumi Airport to a Middle Eastern country on the same day; neither has been recorded entering Thailand since. The family has offered a €2,500 reward for information leading to his discovery. The Immigration Bureau has assigned its investigation division to gather additional information to assist the family and agencies responsible for foreign tourist safety, noting that authorities prioritize screening foreign nationals regarding scam risks and security concerns.