The alleged killer of a New Zealand man stabbed to death in Pattaya, Thailand has changed his name to Andreas Karlsson and moved to the small town of Nynashamn.
In August last year, Mr. Robert Hollick, 43, from New Zealand was stabbed to death after a bar fight over a dog in Pattaya, Thailand.
Thai police arrested and charged Swedish man Andreas Ringvall with murder but the Swede was mysteriously allowed to leave the country while on bail last October. He never returned since. The situation has upset Hollick’s family. The New Zealand embassy was also informed of the situation.
In June 2013, Thai police requested the extradition of Ringvall from Sweden, or that he is tried for murder in his homeland.
Further investigations have revealed Ringvall has changed his name to Andreas Karlsson, a much more common Swedish surname. He is understood to be living in the small town of Nynashamn, which has a population of 13,000, and he is working there as a labourer.
Speaking to The Dominion Post, Ringvall’s stepfather, Stefan Uddebrant, said he was aware of what had happened in Thailand, but Ringvall refused to talk about it.
He had last spoken to him about five weeks ago and they did not discuss the situation.
“The only person who could answer your questions is him. We don’t know what’s happened. Only him (sic) could answer your questions.”
A phone number for Ringvall went unanswered.
It is unlikely Ringvall will be sent back to Thailand, as no extradition treaty exists between the countries, but it is possible he could be charged in Sweden.
Police Colonel Superintendent Sinard Ajhanwong, of Thailand, said progress was being made on the case, but everything had to be done “officially”.
“Please understand, I’m doing my best in pursuing extradition. We will send the usual legal assistance, the case, to Sweden to trial him. The Nordic liaison officer in Bangkok has been asked to do this, too.”
Swedish National Police Board press secretary Dan Svanell confirmed they had been in contact with their Thai counterparts, but had no further comment to make about the investigation.
Mr Hollick’s mother, Anne Hollick, said she hoped Ringvall would be tried soon, as everything was becoming overwhelming.
“I do feel it will come to a trial because, obviously, he’s still in Sweden and they all know where he is. If he tries to leave, I’m sure they’ll know.”
In January, the Thai ambassador to New Zealand, Noppadon Theppitak, wrote to Ms. Hollick, reassuring her he would look into the matter.
“Though I have every confidence that all efforts are being made by the relevant authorities to see that justice is to be served as it should be, I can assure you that I will also do my best to see that the matter is resolved and justice can be brought to your family as soon as possible.”
A spokesman for Mr. Theppitak said on Thursday July 18 the ambassador had “no comment”.
