British woman disappears after leaving Chiang Mai condo in ruins

A British woman has vanished after allegedly leaving a rented condominium in Chiang Mai filled with rubbish and severe damage, with repair costs estimated at 500,000 baht ($15,500).

The incident was reported to police on May 6 by Chantanee Wiwechawin, 41, a housekeeper responsible for overseeing a condominium in Suthep subdistrict, Muang district, Chiang Mai.

She told investigators that the British tenant, believed to be around 35 years old, had signed a six-month lease for the unit at 25,000 baht ($780) per month, beginning on October 16, 2025.

According to Chantanee, suspicions arose in March after a foul smell began coming from the room and the tenant could no longer be contacted. Using a spare key, she entered the condominium and was shocked by what she found.

The room was reportedly strewn with garbage, rotting waste, underwear and clothes. Paint had also been smeared across the walls.

Furniture including the bed and sofa was found damaged, dirty and deteriorated, while the overall condition of the room was described as severely damaged.

A technician later inspected the property and estimated restoration costs could reach around 500,000 baht. A television set was also reported missing and is believed to have been stolen.

Chantanee said she wanted to warn condominium owners and landlords to regularly inspect rental properties, particularly those rented to foreign tourists.

"In the past, we mostly saw news about Thai tenants causing problems and leaving rooms dirty, but this time it was a foreigner. I thought she would be clean and well-mannered, but it turned out to be unbelievably filthy," she said.

Police at Phu Ping Rajanives station are reportedly preparing to summon the tenant for questioning and to seek compensation for the damages.