Beer Chang Posted December 21, 2009 Report Posted December 21, 2009 PHUKET CITY: A homeless couple from Sweden face imminent deportation for overstaying their permits to stay. Lt Col Boonlert Onklang of the Chalong Police identified the couple as Bjorn Lennart Lundqvist, 59, and his female companion Gabriella Rose-Marie Strand, 58. Officers found the couple lying on the sidewalk in front of the the Bangkok Bank branch in Karon at 1pm last Wednesday. Asked to produce their passports, only Ms Strand was able to do so. Her passport revealed that her permit to stay expired January 19. Both Mr Lundqvist and Ms Strand were in rough shape when found by police. Ms Strand's hair was all tangled up and Mr Lundqvist had numerous cuts and abrasions on his arms and legs. On Thursday, Chalong Police took the couple to Phuket Court where they were charged with breaking immigration laws. Mr Lundqvist initially told police his passport was being held at Patong Hospital pending payment of 20,000 baht in treatment charges following a motorbike accident last month. The couple, who are not fluent in English, told the Gazette they had stayed at the Bamboo Village resort in Karon until their money ran out. Staff at the resort told the Gazette the couple stayed there for two months, August and September, before renting a small room near Karon Temple to save what was left of their money. They later moved into another small room nearby the resort, but were most often seen on the streets of Karon, the staffer said. "They were always drunk. Sometimes they asked me for money to buy alcohol," the resort owner said. Ms Strand told the Gazette they didn't have enough money to extend their visas because their wallets were stolen last month. The couple had just three baht between them at the time of their arrest, she said. Despite their run of bad luck, the couple hope to return to Phuket some day. "If we are sent back to Sweden, I will get treatment for my arthritis there, but we will be back because we love it here. The police have been very good to us," she said. Phuket Immigration Superintendent Chanatpol Yongbunjerd updated the case today. They will be deported as soon as the Swedish Embassy arranges air tickets for them, he said.
Thaimo Posted December 21, 2009 Report Posted December 21, 2009 That story seems to give a whole new definition to 'Swedish Meatballs.'
Wino Posted December 21, 2009 Report Posted December 21, 2009 I know I shouldn't feel sorry for these "Swedish meatballs," but it is a shame to see anybody down and out.
Beer Chang Posted December 21, 2009 Author Report Posted December 21, 2009 I suppose in December it's better to be cold in tropical paradise than in Sweeden. But geez, in Pattaya one can rent a fan room for 3500 baht.
Wino Posted December 22, 2009 Report Posted December 22, 2009 I would be surprised if they could find a room for 3500 baht a month but I am not sure. Seems the major concern for this couple was the alcohol.
patong Posted December 22, 2009 Report Posted December 22, 2009 What were they going to do with just 3 baht ?? Sound like a couple of bums. Guess they will go back to Sweden, sponge more social security money & benefits, and be back again.
Beer Chang Posted December 22, 2009 Author Report Posted December 22, 2009 I would be surprised if they could find a room for 3500 baht a month Maybe not in Phuket but in Pattaya there are some nice fan rooms for 3500 baht.
Wino Posted December 22, 2009 Report Posted December 22, 2009 I hope this couple is able to return to Sweden and receive the help they need. Living hand to mouth with 3 baht in your pocket is no way to live.
Thaimo Posted December 22, 2009 Report Posted December 22, 2009 I hope this couple is able to return to Sweden and receive the help they need. Living hand to mouth with 3 baht in your pocket is no way to live. It probably won't be much different once they are returned to Sweden. If their government has to finance their trip, I would think they will be held liable and will have to reimburse the cost.
Wino Posted December 23, 2009 Report Posted December 23, 2009 That is probably true, although they may also be given food and shelter as well as help with alcohol addiction problems.
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