Johannesburg - A South African family’s holiday in Phuket turned into a nightmare on their last day, after the father was arrested and detained for almost a month for supposedly being in possession of fake dollars.
Gabriel Sequeira, 43, from Johannesburg was released only after his family paid out several amounts, totalling about R200 000 to local police and lawyers, reported The Star.
A delighted Sequeira arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday where he was met by his wife Carla and two of his three children. (The other was at a school camp).
His ordeal started on the last day of their 10-day family holiday in Phuket when Sequeira changed $1 000 (about R7 800) at a bank across the road from his hotel. He was arrested by police who said he had fake dollars.
Sequeira, however, said they had bought the dollars from a travel agent in Johannesburg and had exchanged them throughout their holiday with no problems.
His wife remained in Thailand while his children flew back to SA. His brother and a friend flew to Thailand to help free him.
His passport was confiscated and police continuously demanding money for his release.
Despite a letter from the travel agent insisting the money was genuine, authorities refused to release him.
Finally, after a month and about R180 000, the family’s money ran out and Sequeira’s passport was returned and he was allowed to travel back to SA.
SA family's holiday nightmare: News24: South Africa: News