Hua Hin, Thailand – A bedridden Swiss expatriate is reporting the theft of his music collection, amassed over 30 years, comprising approximately 1,000 vinyl records and 400 CDs with an estimated value of around 300,000 Swiss Francs. The owner suspects a former caregiver, who was arranged through a local nursing service; the police state they know the suspect’s name. The man is appealing to the public for information and is considering legal action.
Riesige Sammlung mit seltenen Exemplaren
The collection includes roughly 1,000 vinyls and 400 CDs, primarily rock music from the 1960s to 1980s. Many pieces are described as rare or no longer available, some featuring original cover art that was later withdrawn. The collector estimates the value at approximately 300,000 Swiss Francs (about 12.5 million Baht), emphasizing the emotional significance of the records, stating,
“Besides the money, these are also memories.”
said the owner.
Ex-Pflegekraft steht unter Verdacht
The owner suspects a former caregiver who worked for him for three to four months, having been provided by a local caregiving company. According to the man, the woman was dismissed; the nursing service is not accused of involvement. The victim stated that the caregiver repeatedly asked him and his wife for money,
“She always needs money. She simply took advantage of opportunities.”
he said, suspecting she acted as an intermediary for a buyer.
Wann und wie die Platten verschwanden
The theft is believed to have occurred on May 2, with the report filed with the police on May 5 after the wife noticed gaps while tidying up. The records were stored in nine boxes, but seemingly only the vinyls and CDs were taken. Security footage from the grounds reportedly shows plastic bags being placed on a motorcycle, according to the owner.
“We have a camera in front of the entrance gate. She hid these plastic bags on the motorcycle. We could see that.”
said the owner.
Polizei sagt: Name bekannt – doch Kalt ist unzufrieden
Officers visited the home after the report and, according to the man, spent about an hour gathering details; they reportedly confirmed knowing the name of the suspect. The caregiving service was not implicated. The owner expressed surprise that no swift action seemed to be taken against the suspect and intends to involve his lawyer to follow up with the police. He stated,
“That is precisely why I want my lawyer.”
Nicht nur Platten sind verschwunden
In addition to the vinyl records and CDs, the man claims a gold ring, a bracelet, and cash are also missing. He described vinyl as more valuable than the CDs, though both form his personal archive. The collection was amassed over decades, partly from his time in Chicago and Switzerland; certain rare items are described as simply irreplaceable.
Appell an die Öffentlichkeit und persönliche Lage
The victim is appealing for information, asking anyone who saw a large quantity of vinyl or CDs for sale in recent weeks to inform the police or Hua Hin Today ([email protected]). He plans to return to Switzerland long-term due to leg complaints, where he expects better treatment. Peter Kalt has lived in Thailand for 11 years and is bedridden and requires care due to a medical complication. He hopes that information will lead to the recovery of his collection and the apprehension of the perpetrator.