CHIANG MAI – A rental nightmare has left a Chiang Mai homeowner facing heavy financial losses after an Australian tenant trashed her property. The tenant rented the house for only a few months before causing extensive damage and disappearing.
The homeowner discovered the destruction after the tenant moved out following complaints from neighbors. The total cost of the damage and unpaid bills has now climbed to over 100,000 baht.
Key Takeaways
- Short-Term Rental Disaster: An Australian tenant stayed in the property for less than three months but left it severely damaged.
- Heavy Financial Loss: The homeowner faces a bill of 123,200 baht for property destruction, cleaning costs, and unpaid utility bills.
- Legal Action Taken: Local police have accepted the case as a criminal complaint and are actively investigating the situation.
According to a report by MGR Online, Miss Uthumporn Sommai, 40, handed over her rental property in Hang Dong district to an Australian national named Mark in March 2026. Trouble began almost immediately as the tenant regularly disturbed the surrounding neighborhood.
Because of the ongoing complaints, the owner decided to cancel the lease agreement early. The tenant agreed to move out, but the final property inspection revealed shocking destruction inside and outside the house.
Expensive Damage and Stolen Items
The tenant destroyed four security cameras and smashed a bedroom door completely off its hinges. The floor, covering an area of 40 square meters, suffered serious and severe damage. Outside the home, an entire row of trees was completely cut down.
The interior of the house was left in an equally terrible state. Someone burned the sofa, and water damage caused the built-in furniture to swell up. The walls were covered in dirty stains, and the tenant broke an expensive table.
Furthermore, the Australian tenant left behind unpaid water and electricity bills. He also stole expensive collectible liquor bottles and glasses from the house before fleeing. Miss Uthumporn had to pay out of her own pocket for a massive house cleaning and air conditioning service.
The homeowner tried to contact the tenant to ask for compensation for the ruined property. However, the tenant completely ignored her calls and refused to pay for any of the damage.
Miss Uthumporn gathered all her evidence and filed a formal complaint at the Hang Dong Police Station. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wallapa Moonmuang has officially recorded the case as a criminal investigation.
Officers are now preparing to summon the Australian tenant for questioning and legal processing.
Trending News:
Police Takedown Major Online Gambling Network in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Apartment Owner Left With Mountains of Garbage and Unpaid Rent
