Norwegian Homeless in Thailand Returns Home After 2 Years

A 44-year-old Norwegian man who spent more than two years living rough around Pak Kret in Nonthaburi is finally set to return home after Thai immigration authorities stepped in to help him contact his embassy. Odd Stian Hesseberg was found living around temples and public areas in Pak Kret after a social media post raised concerns about a foreign man sleeping near the Pak Kret waterfront.

Hesseberg told reporters he came to Thailand alone about two and a half years ago to meet a female friend in Nakhon Sawan but lost contact with her. He later travelled to Nonthaburi, where he said his bag containing his passport and other documents was stolen. Without his documents, he ended up living rough and sleeping at temples and along the waterfront. He said he wanted to return to Norway but did not know who to contact for help.

Immigration officers located Hesseberg at Wat Klang Kret on 7 August and checked his immigration record. He entered Thailand on 3 March 2023 on a 30-day tourist visa and later received an extension until 16 May 2023. His immigration status currently shows an overstay of 1,179 days. Authorities are now questioning Hesseberg and coordinating with the Norwegian Embassy to arrange his return to Norway in accordance with Thai law.

Temple staff said they had previously tried to help him return home, including arranging transport to the Norwegian Embassy about three months ago. They said they were concerned about his wellbeing as he had been living alone and often sleeping in public places. After being taken by immigration officers, Hesseberg thanked temple staff and local residents who had helped him during his time in Thailand. He said he was happy that he would finally be able to return to Norway, his home country, after more than two years.