Attorney denies Norwegian man willed millions of baht to Phuket elderly, children

PHUKET: Police have not been able to find a will to substantiate rumors that a Norwegian man left a portion of his 100-million-baht estate to Phuket foundations for the elderly and for children.

Frank Robert, 52, died on Saturday from pre-existing medical conditions, a Patong Hospital staffer told Patong Police.

“I have talked to the attorney who will execute Mr Robert’s estate. The attorney confirmed to me that he wasn’t aware of any will,” Patong Police Thawatchai Srimai, the case investigator, told the Phuket Gazette this morning.

“I have no idea how the rumor that the man had willed money to foundations supporting children and elderly in Phuket was started,” Lt Thawatchai confirmed.

Lt Thawatchai explained that the news was having an effect on his team’s investigation. However, he did not elaborate on how.

“We received the report of Mr Robert’s death from his housekeeper on Saturday,” Lt Thawatchai said.

“She had prepared lunch for Mr Robert in his Patong home and then had left to clean another house in the area. When she returned, Mr Robert was dead,” Lt Thwatchai explained

Police found prescription drugs used for heart conditions and asthma in the house. There was no sign of a struggle.

A long-term expat, Mr Roberts travelled frequently between Phuket and Norway, and ran businesses in Phuket for over ten years, Lt Thawatchai said.

“He did not have a Thai wife or relatives here. Police have contacted the Norwegian Embassy in order to contact Mr Robert’s family in Norway,” he added.

— Chutharat Plerin