Detectives

November 23rd, 2007

Dear Mr.KIA: I’ve just given myself a real hard time here. I loaned a friend some money (don’t ask how much—it’s enough to keep me alive for more than a year!) and the person, who I don’t consider a friend anymore, never gave me back a satang. At first, I tried to understand that he might have lots of burdens, but I changed my mind when I called on his mobile a thousand times and nobody answered. I went to his house, planning on things to say to him, but it turns out he’s suddenly disappeared. Mr. KIA, can you suggest some way to find him? I would cut his throat if only I knew where he went… Thank you so much—Mad Dog

Dear MD: Whoa! Calm down, man. Before you go acting on impulse, take a deep breath and realize that acting in a violent manner at this point is only going to make things harder for yourself. Consult those who know-it-all about the law and make sure it’s enforced with your friend. Many detectives and law services are available in Bangkok. Surely, they can track down the deadbeat, whether he’s living openly in Bang Na or huddled under a rock in Minburi. Leave your problem to one of these professional teams. Before you begin, find out as much as you can about the individual in question. Gather all your records, including bank statements, check receipts, email correspondences, papers or contracts with his signature, etc. Find as many clues as possible about his lifestyle, his career, his habits, the places he usually goes to or other useful info. All this will help the professionals nail the man in question.

Bangkok Detective Law & Security Guard Co., Ltd. (1/33 Soi Wattanawiboon 1, Chaiyapruek Rd., 02-434-4526, 02-435-8664. www.bangkokdetective.com) offers investigative services. You can hire them online anonymously if you prefer. Or, contact them directly at their office. For one-day surveillance, the fee is US$120 (B4,281).

First Data International Co., Ltd. has a variety of services, including finding a witness, confirming rights in properties, following debts and seizing assets. The office is also glad to mediate if both parties agree to do so.

Decha International Law Office Co., Ltd. Founded by Decha Kittiwittayanan, a professional law consultant, it offers debt collection and debt recovery services.