What happened
A foreign client rented a motorcycle in Phuket and left their passport with the rental business as a deposit. When the motorcycle was returned, the business said that it had lost the passport and could not give it back.
In this client's circumstances, obtaining a replacement involved returning to their home country. The loss therefore caused passport-replacement costs, additional airfare and considerable distress.
What we did
We advised the client and filed a criminal complaint against the rental provider concerning its failure to return the passport and the loss of the document. We then pursued discussions about responsibility for the resulting expenses and losses.
The outcome in this case
The matter was resolved through mediation in Phuket. The provider compensated the client for the losses, including the cost of the replacement passport and additional travel expenses. The dispute was settled without a prolonged court trial.