Immigration Confirms Missing Dutch TV Host Left Thailand in 2025
Thai immigration authorities confirm that Dutch TV presenter Emile Ratelband, reported missing by his family in Phuket, left Thailand for Laos in late 2025 and has not returned. His companion Natalia departed the same day for the Middle East. The Immigration Bureau continues to investigate to assist the family and ensure tourist safety.
The Immigration Bureau chief ordered an investigation into a famous Dutch TV presenter after his family in Phuket reported him missing in Thailand, offering a reward of up to 100,000 baht for information. The case gained attention in the Netherlands, where relatives of 70-year-old Emile Ratelband, a well-known Dutch television personality, announced he had disappeared in Thailand. They cited clues about a close friend named Natalia, believed to have been staying with him, and offered a 2,500 euro reward for leads.
On October 24, 2026, Immigration Bureau deputy spokesperson Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron Rimpadee disclosed that after learning of the case, Immigration Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Naphasit Poolsawat immediately instructed all immigration units to verify and track Mr. Emile.
Database checks showed Mr. Emile and his close friend Natalia entered Thailand in December 2021 via Suvarnabhumi Airport and remained in the country with valid visas, reporting residence in a central-southern province. Subsequently, Mr. Emile exited Thailand via the Friendship Bridge to Laos in late 2025. Ms. Natalia departed on the same day, flying from Suvarnabhumi to a Middle Eastern country. Immigration records show neither has returned to Thailand.
Nevertheless, Pol. Lt. Gen. Naphasit has directed the Immigration Bureau's investigative division to gather additional intelligence to assist the family and tourist safety agencies directly, affirming that the bureau prioritizes screening foreign nationals — both those at risk of falling victim to scams and those posing security concerns.
