Dutch TV Presenter Emile Ratelband Found to Have Left Thailand for Laos

Key summary

Thailand's Immigration Bureau announced on October 24 that Dutch television presenter Emile Ratelband, who was reported missing in the country by his family, had departed for Laos in late 2025. The 70-year-old and a companion named Natalia entered Thailand via Suvarnabhumi Airport in December 2021 with valid visas. While Ratelband crossed into the Lao People's Democratic Republic through a Friendship Bridge in late 2025, Natalia flew from Suvarnabhumi to an unspecified Middle Eastern country on the same day. Immigration records indicate neither individual has returned to Thailand since their departures. Although their exit is confirmed, authorities have not yet verified Ratelband's current location and are continuing to investigate with his family, who had offered a €2,500 reward for information.