PAK KRET, THAILAND – Immigration police found a Norwegian man who lived rough for more than two years after his passport was stolen. He overstayed his visa by 1,179 days.
Officers tracked down Odd Stian Hesseberg, 44, at Wat Klang Kret on August 7. Checks showed he entered Thailand on March 3, 2023 with a 30-day tourist visa.
His stay was extended until May 16, 2023. Now authorities are questioning him and working with the Norwegian embassy to send him home under Thai immigration law.
Stolen bag left him stranded
Hesseberg came to Thailand alone to meet a girlfriend in Nakhon Sawan. After losing contact with her, he moved on to Nonthaburi.
There, his bag — containing his passport and other documents — was stolen. Without papers, he lived near temples and along the riverbank. He had no idea who to contact for help returning to Norway.
Social media post tipped off police
A social media post about a man sleeping in public areas along the Pak Kret promenade alerted authorities.
Hesseberg had spent more than two years living rough around Pak Kret. He often slept in public places or on temple grounds.
Temple staff stepped in
Workers at the temple said they had tried to help him return home before. About three months ago, they even arranged transport to the Norwegian embassy.
They were worried about his welfare because he lived alone and often slept in public places.
said temple staff.
After immigration officers picked him up, Hesseberg thanked the temple workers and local residents for their help. He said he was happy to finally be going back to Norway.