In the tranquil yet lively setting of Lampang, a tale has been unfolding that’s more riveting than your average crime thriller. It’s about a mysterious escapist known affectionately, or rather infamously, as Robert, and his knack for dodging bills all over the province. Our story chiefly concerns Ann, the unnervingly courteous owner of Kanthika massage shop, who recently crossed paths with this master of excuses.
Ann’s encounter with Robert was anything but ordinary. It was yet another normal day at Kanthika, with its serene aromas and the gentle hum of relaxation music. But things soon took an unexpected turn when in limped Robert—a foreign chameleon of mystery with a noticeable imperfection in his step and an olfactory presence that spoke louder than words. He was around fifty, sported short black hair, and wore a blue T-shirt with somewhat formidable black trousers. All of this, along with his self-given moniker, Robert, might have been convincing, had his scent not queued a separate narrative.
Robert, with a certain poise of entitlement, requested a two-hour oil massage. And gracious Ann, ever hopeful about human decency, obliged. The charge? A humble 700 baht. But alas, as the story unravels, Robert wasn’t just in need of relaxation. He was, it appears, on a peculiar mission to evade the most common etiquette of paying for services rendered.
The massage session ticked on, while Ann’s employee heroically endured the guest’s stoic aroma. Once relaxed and reeking of oils, Robert, possibly inspired by the cleanliness around him, asked to use the bathroom to freshen up. Ann granted this request too, hopefully thinking perhaps this was a turning point in his personal hygiene journey.
But Robert had other plans. Post-shower, he declared his lack of cash—a conundrum Ann met with the generosity of understanding. Yet, her instincts tingled. Anticipating a potential classic misadventure, she offered to accompany him to the ATM, a sensible move for ensuring an honourable transaction. Robert, however, declined the offer, citing solo withdrawal preferences, then ambled out the door with an air of someone who planned to return. Spoiler: he didn’t.
Outside was another scene altogether. A baht bus driver awaited, though not in a welcoming embrace. Robert had left a trail of unpaid dues. The driver was here for recompense too. As drama ballooned, Robert activated his limp-legged escape strategy, melting into the bustling streets of Lampang faster than you could say, “700 baht please!”
Ann, a seasoned business owner, was less concerned about the financial loss and more about the curious case of the runaway client. She reported the incident to local authorities and discovered that Robert had been running this shampoo-less scam across town, with varied and extravagant aggregates. This included a whimsical night at a karaoke bar, filled with food, drink, and apparently invisible fortunes, totaling somewhere over 10,000 baht worth of unpaid gaiety.
As of today’s narrative, the elusive Robert remains an entertaining ghost story shared among Lampang’s business circles. He’s an aromatic apparition in the chronicles of local hospitality. Ann, the bearer of lessons and composure, shared her experience with media outlets, warning fellow entrepreneurs of this sneaky showroom escapologist.
Meanwhile, across Thailand, the news blusters with other headlines: bomb attacks, pangs of obesity, booming real estate thanks to a famed TV series, pollution woes, and a peculiar influx of petty crimes. Amidst all this, Robert’s bakery of debts stands out—as both an amusing reminder of small-town tales and a not-so-subtle note to businesses big or small. Always check the cash before the shower, lest you smell something fishy.
This story is equally amusing and frustrating. How can someone just get away with not paying like that?
I think it’s pretty genius. Who knew being stinky could be a great cover for not paying bills!
It’s only considered ‘genius’ until he gets caught. Such behavior is disrespectful!
Honestly, we need stricter enforcement against such petty crimes. This isn’t funny when businesses suffer losses.
Why can’t local businesses just do background checks? At least on regular customers.
That’s unrealistic and too costly, especially for small businesses.
True, but perhaps they could ask for an advance payment instead. That might deter scammers.
I’m shocked that local police haven’t caught him yet. How hard can it be?
Catch him? He’s probably working in plain sight. A chameleon indeed!
Well, it shows the limitation of manpower and resources in catching small-time criminals.
He’s like a character from a movie! Imagine if this turns into a film plot!
This would make an excellent comedy. With a twist of extreme hygiene issues, perhaps?
In all honesty, Robert’s antics highlight the importance of being cautious in business.
I wonder if Robert feels guilty at all… if he even bothers to think about these victims.
Doubtful. His next con is probably more exciting than any conscience.
I bet Robert really enjoys the thrill of escape more than anything. Such people are often adrenaline junkies.
I feel sorry for Ann. It’s always the trustful folks who get scammed.
True, but it’s a lesson in caution! Her account surely serves as a warning to others.
Will Robert’s tale ever get a conclusion? Like finding where he really lives?
Just imagining him dodging into the streets makes me chuckle. Poor fellow has created quite an infamous reputation.
Such escapades become notorious legends in small towns. It’s the stuff of local myths!
Yknow, if Robert ever paid for the karaoke night out, maybe he’d go unnoticed.
Lampang can use this story as a marketing tactic: ‘Come visit the land of the debt-dodging chameleon.’
I hope Ann recoups her losses someday. People tend to ignore little expenses until they pile up.
What if Robert has a bigger reason behind this all? Someone should dig into his past.
Or maybe this is it – just a quirky man with odd priorities living in the moment.
A past might unravel a more sinister plot or reveal just an eccentric traveler.
I can’t believe this episode creates such a stir amidst all the issues in Thailand. The power of a peculiar narrative!
People need a good story to lighten the mood. Robert fits that niche perfectly!