Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Alaska

Collecting Loan Made to Family in Thailand

I am 52, Alaskan, American citizen, married for 20 years to woman from Thailand. She died in 1993. Wife's sister (retired school principal), her husband (retired commander Thai Airforce) w/4 adult children working, living at home, asked from me $10,000.00 to remodel. Repaying this in a year would be no problem because they were all working or receiving retirement benefits. I agreed to give in good faith ten thousand one year interest free. I have letters written saying they will repay by a certain date, but I have received nothing. I have called, written. Their regular answer is that they will send the money by January or by April, etc etc. One ''child'' is in the Thai Airforce, another is a school teacher. Do I have any recourse in getting back this loan? My daughter became very ill, medical bills not covered were substantial. I tried contacting a Thai lawyer, but due to language difficulties I didn't proceed. If this family was poor it would be a different matter. 8 years later: no attempt has been made to contact me or repay. I have their phone, address, canceled bank draft given to them, letters stating their knowledge of the loan and their need to repay.


Asked on 4/03/01, 7:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Szender Law Office of James R. Szender

Re: Collecting Loan Made to Family in Thailand

Unless some of the people you loaned the money to have some presence or substantial property interest in the USA, our courts would have no jurisdiction over them, and a lawsuit here would do you no good.

I would suggest contacting the Legal Attache in our Embassy in Bangkok. Perhaps they can advise you on the best way to proceed, or even reccommend an English-speaking attorney to assist you.

Your mention of "8 years later" raises another potential issue. Early inquiry should be made regarding the applicablity of a statute of limitations under Thai law in this situation.

Good luck.

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Answered on 6/05/01, 9:44 pm


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