Finding Someone Gone Missing

[thanuhak]

An older German man with whom I had a meeting planned basically disappeared on me.

His mobile says "unavailable"; no answer to emails sent by me since then.

I met him previously and he did not seem the type to just mess one about, but after him not showing up, not answering emails, his phone off or out of order, I begin to wonder what may have happened to him.

Assuming (please) that he did not just change his mind or whatever, how do you suggest I check to see what, if anything, happened to him?

Is there some central place or agency or whatever I might check? Or perhaps call the German Embassy to see if he died? Or maybe check with the hostpitals in Udon, as that is where he was living when we met in person a couple weeks ago? Maybe the cops?

I have his mobile no. & email address. That's it. And his name, of course, which I won't put here at the moment. (I'll tell anyone via PM if they think they can help. Initials: HF) And, he is a civil engineer. Studied in Delaware, USA before. Had an Udon g/f he met through the Net a year or so ago - don't know her name or no.

Would like to know what happened to him (if anything). Do not believe he was just jerking me around, as we progressed very efficiently through a proposal for work over a number of emails. (And he also was doing some work in Phnom Penh.) And we had a good meeting in person at a hotel in Udon.

Cheers for any tips, ideas, you might have that would help me. (Save the cynical, witty, "wise" responses for another thread please. Or keep them to yourself. We're all tired of them.)

[BobHelm]

I think a private detective is your only answer thanuhak & I am not even sure that there is one of those in Udon.
i am pretty certain that even if you asked someone like the German Embassy for help they would offer you nothing as you are not a blood relative. I am sure that you would get a similar response from any Thai Agency as well.
I think your only real recourse is to just write him off as a time waster unless you happen to strike lucky on the Forum.

[thanuhak]

Yeah thanks I know it's a tricky one. I should have added the following:

If it was just a missed meeting around here, I would just move on & forget it - just another wastral; however, the meeting was "set up" in BKK to meet with him and a representative from a foreign co. that was to fly in.

A room was supposedly booked at a hotel, and all expenses were to be covered. An elaborate plan just to what? Mess with me? No, don't think so, like I said...which is why I'd kind of like to follow-up a little.

I get to BKK; no booking; no FH in residence; call - not available (for 5 days now); send email to him and the co. - no replies; dead air. Which makes the whole scenario frustrating, disappointing, and in the end, a mystery.

So...buy the kids some toys, pick up a few books & mags (not available here of course); hit a few watering holes (so the trip won't be a total waste); and fly back the next day...

Well, just thought I'd try here - maybe I'll call a hospital or two tomorrow FWIW, then write it off - and check the booking before I fly anywhere for a meeting from now on. Live & learn, eh whah?

[BobHelm]

I know some people think they are a waste of time, but personally I have found differently, so it just might be worth your while turning up at your local Tourist police Office & ask them for help. They might be able/willing to make a few phone calls that might help you out...

[michaleo]

If you want I can ask in a german-speaking Forum, the isaan-forum that has really a lot of german members. Some are living in Khon Kaen and also some in Udon. You can send me his name by p.m., if you like.

[maaka]

hiya, sounds like alot of things dont connect.. To many...hes missing , his phone dont work, no email replies, no reservation, no company reply.?? first I would google his name and then that of the company for information. I would check with the phone company of the number you have, to see if it has his name and home address. I would contact the German Embassy, ( or have the member above do that ) with your concerns that he might be missing, and push for whatever you can get from them..I would ring Luffhansa, use his name, and query his last ticket prices, and whether you paid them, and did you/ he have a future flight booked..I would also go back to the person who ' set up' , your original meeting and ask what they know of him,. I would check with other civil engineerings firms, or organisation in his/your line of work, and see if any of his co workers no where he is..maybe he is out of the country, in cambodia or somewheres, last minute call away on business..hence the phone no work, and he is out of email contact...

I suggest also you contact the Hospitals and Udon Tourist Police with your concerns, he maybe missing , he may not, anyway the more on the case the better..good luck

[old-timer]

Save the cynical, witty, "wise" responses for another thread please. Or keep them to yourself. We're all tired of them

OT's keeping his gob firmly shut.

OT.......

[jackspratt]

There is also a possibly simpler explanation to this "mystery". Perhaps the guy doesn't want to be found - for whatever reason.

[thanuhak]

Thanks for the tips and ideas Bob and Maaka, and a big shout out to OT for his emerging, newfound restraint.

As I tried to convey in my remarks, I don't think this man suddenly doesn't want to be found, is one of the dodgy wastrals that abound here, or other conspiratorial agendas.

I don't think he decided to stop using his current mobile number after jerking me about.

I'll try a few of these ideas in the coming days, but really, it's not liked he ripped me off for thousands of dollars. It's more a case of my simply wanting to know what happened - to our plans - and to him.

Best case scenario (dream scenario): he contacts me in a few days saying he had an accident, or an operation, was in the hospital, is deeply sorry for inconveniencing me, plans to reimburse me, and we get on with business...

Well, one lives in hope. And IMHO, dies without it. I prefer to remain an optimist myself, and give folks the benefit of the doubt until they prove that assumption unfounded.

I'll let you know if I learn anything. And if you happen to come across any news, please PM me. Otherwise, I'd rather not take any more of folks' time potentially belaboring the point on this topic.

Cheers. ~BA

[thrilled]

I do know this,if your visiting thailand or even other countries,it could be hard to find you if ya disapeared.It's A little scary ,but you could be here 1 minute and gone the next.And unless someone asked about ya,you'd be gone like the wind.Sad but true.

[747man]

Yeah !! Anybody could " Get Lost " Here if they want too........

[thanuhak]

Well it's a few days later, and here's the positive closure for those following this thread; aka "best case scenario":

Email: "...sorry I got real sick and I am still sick I am back in Canada emergency health problem with kidney I was not able to inform you since all went so fast I will pay you your expenses when I return. I am terribly sorry..."

Things do happen sometimes. Pretty much figured it had to be something like this, having met the man.

Thanks for all the advice, anyway. Glad I won't be needing it.

[747man]

Sounds like a decent guy !!!