Udon Thani, Thailand — What began as a dream retirement in Thailand for a 75-year-old Australian man has turned into a desperate struggle, after his Thai wife’s reported drug addiction left him penniless and alone in the northeastern province of Udon Thani.
Local community leader Boonthom Sorumpha, from Ban Dung district, has appealed to media and authorities to help the man, identified as Marcus, return to Australia. Boonthom told Ban Dung Update, a local news outlet, that Marcus’ wife, 45-year-old Pikun, had been his primary caregiver following the loss of his left leg in a car accident.
Marcus had entrusted his savings to Pikun, but she allegedly began using yaba — a common street term in Thailand for methamphetamine tablets — and spent the money on drugs. A few days ago, Boonthom said, Pikun became violent while under the influence. Local officials placed her in a rehabilitation facility, leaving Marcus unable to manage daily life on his own.
When visited by Ban Dung Update reporters on August 12, Marcus revealed he had just 1,520 baht (about USD 42) left. He said he had previously owned a house in Bangkok, which was sold for four million baht, with the proceeds going entirely to his wife. He rejected the idea of waiting for Pikun to return from rehab, insisting he wants to go back to Australia immediately.
Channel 7 reported that the couple also have a son who is addicted to yaba. Pikun’s mother, Ting, confirmed her daughter’s drug use but maintained that she still loved her foreign husband.
At the time of reporting, no official confirmation had been given on whether Thai authorities will help Marcus return home. The case has sparked discussion locally about the risks some foreigners face when retirement plans in Thailand take an unexpected and devastating turn.
