Fears for missing British businessman and Thai wife after bloodstains found at their home

Fears are mounting for a missing Scottish businessman and his Thai wife after bloodstains were found at their luxury home in northern Thailand. 

Police in the town of Phrae have been searching for Alan Hogg, 64, and his wife Nod Suddaen, 61, since they were reported missing last Thursday. 

Police Lieutenant-General Poonsak Prasertsak described the case as an “incident within the family” but stressed that evidence was still being gathered, according to a report in the Bangkok Post.  The police have indicated that at least two or three people may be involved in the case.

Bloodstains were found on the floor near a sink in the three-storey house and also in the changing room beside the swimming pool. A mobile phone was also found still charging and is being examined for evidence.

The local media reported that Ms Nod’s elder brother, Warun Watansatjakit, 63, was arrested and charged with theft after selling the couple’s new white pick-up truck to a Lao businessman who contacted police when he learned that they were searching for the vehicle. 

Mr Warun, who is said to have had arguments with Mr Hogg and his wife, was released after relatives paid a sum of £2,400 in bail. He denies any involvement in their disappearance but has reportedly admitted to removing the vehicle. 

Police investigators and sniffer dogs have been scouring the couple’s home and grounds for clues and CCTV footage of the area and the movements of the pick-up truck is being reviewed. The vehicle is being checked for forensic evidence and divers have been searching a nearby river. 

The couple’s daughter is believed to have arrived from England to help the search. Her father, who has links to a number of businesses in the UK, was described locally as a ‘millionaire’ and friendly but private. 

He and his wife were known to rear ducks, geese and cattle on their property, and made frequent and long trips to Australia. They were preparing to visit a relative in the city of Chiang Mai when they went missing. 

Mr Hogg, from Edinburgh, arrived in Thailand several years ago after working as an engineer in Australia. He built the sprawling family home on a large plot of land in one of the country’s most northerly provinces, and secured the property with a gated entrance. 

Major General Sanpat Praputsra from the Thai police said that the case was “moving well”, adding that “officers are working on the investigation day and night.”

He claimed that “the brother-in-law had problems with money and there were family issues.”