Cash-out: Old German man ends life after costly romance

A 91 year old German man committed suicide at his home in Samut Prakan province, near Bangkok, after his Thai girlfriend repeatedly asked him for money. He had reportedly lost more than 30 million baht to this woman.

Officers from Bang Phli Police Station investigated the suicide of the 91 year old German, Bothmer Arnulf, at his home in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province at about 2pm yesterday, October 17. Arnulf was found sitting on a wooden chair inside the house.

The German man sustained a gunshot wound to his head, near his right ear. He was still alive when the police arrived, and the rescue team administered first aid before rushing him to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, Arnulf passed away at the hospital.

The .38 calibre gun used in the incident and two spent bullet casings were found near the chair. A Thai maid and gardener were present at the scene and provided accounts of the incident to the police.

The gardener told officers that he was working in the garden at the front of the house when the shooting occurred. He was aware that his employer was under stress, but he did not know the cause. He did not expect that his foreign employer would take his own life.

The gardener added that Arnulf previously worked as the general manager of a leading medical import and pharmaceutical production company in Thailand. He retired many years ago and lived alone in the house.

Repeated money demands

The female maid, 57 year old Boonmee, revealed that the suicide happened right in front of her. She tried to dissuade her employer when she saw him pull out the gun. She attempted to calm him and contacted his Thai relatives in an effort to change his mind but her attempts were unsuccessful.

Boonmee disclosed that a Thai woman named Joy was the source of her employer’s distress. She explained that Arnulf had been a very kind person. His wife died many years ago and he had later entered into a relationship with Joy.

According to Boonmee, Arnulf bought a condominium and a car for his girlfriend and gave her large sums of money, amounting to over 30 million baht. However, Joy continued to ask him for more money. Every day, including the day of the incident, she called him to ask for money.

Arnulf’s body is currently undergoing an autopsy at the Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute in Samut Prakan province. His relatives and others close to him will be summoned for questioning.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.