AN AMERICAN who begged for a living for years on Phuket has been sent home to the US from the Immigration Detention Centre in Bangkok.
Dean Mancuso is likely to celebrate Christmas in Las Vegas, in the care of a Catholic charities mission. When Mr Mancuso lost his passport before the 2004 tsunami, he did not apply for a replacement and began cadging a living from Patong tourists.
Overstaying his visa, Mr Mancuso chose a loner's world where he failed to stay in touch with family in the US and did not make friends with other expats on Phuket.
He was eventually arrested by Patong police for creating a nuisance when begging - he called it ''my occupation'' - at a well-known resort.
From October he spent time in the cell at Phuket Immigration before being transferred to Bangkok. It is believed Mr Mancuso's trip back to the US was covered under a loan arrangement that will require him to repay the fare.
Phuketwan has learned as a result of an earlier report that Mr Mancuso's father is still alive, but seriously ill. Efforts are likely to be made to reunite the two as soon as possible.
Mr Mancuso, who expressed relief when he was eventually arrested, is now ''very positive and on top of stuff,'' acording to an American who came to his aid after his arrest.
The former chef has been taking extensive notes and plans to write a book about his experiences.
His Thai wife, Nong, who lives with their two children in a rural province, said today that while their relationship ended some time ago, Mr Mancuso still calls regularly to talk to his daughters.
Phuket Visa Dodger Becomes Bangkok DetaineeDean Mancuso is likely to celebrate Christmas in Las Vegas, in the care of a Catholic charities mission. When Mr Mancuso lost his passport before the 2004 tsunami, he did not apply for a replacement and began cadging a living from Patong tourists.
Overstaying his visa, Mr Mancuso chose a loner's world where he failed to stay in touch with family in the US and did not make friends with other expats on Phuket.
He was eventually arrested by Patong police for creating a nuisance when begging - he called it ''my occupation'' - at a well-known resort.
From October he spent time in the cell at Phuket Immigration before being transferred to Bangkok. It is believed Mr Mancuso's trip back to the US was covered under a loan arrangement that will require him to repay the fare.
Phuketwan has learned as a result of an earlier report that Mr Mancuso's father is still alive, but seriously ill. Efforts are likely to be made to reunite the two as soon as possible.
Mr Mancuso, who expressed relief when he was eventually arrested, is now ''very positive and on top of stuff,'' acording to an American who came to his aid after his arrest.
The former chef has been taking extensive notes and plans to write a book about his experiences.
His Thai wife, Nong, who lives with their two children in a rural province, said today that while their relationship ended some time ago, Mr Mancuso still calls regularly to talk to his daughters.
Latest A long stay in detention in Bangkok is likely for an American who tried to avoid authority and lived a life outside the law on Phuket for more than six years. Now his future is in limbo.
Phuket Visa Dodger Becomes Bangkok Detainee
US Woman Held for 'Visa Run' Overstay Blunder
UPDATE The US Embassy in Bangkok is investigating an alarming case in which an American woman on a one day visa run from Phuket to Ranong found herself under arrest.
US Woman Held for 'Visa Run' Overstay Blunder
American's Trip to Life's Other Side on Phuket
Latest A life in limbo has come to an end for American Dean Mancuso. His strange existence on Phuket has left him in a cell, facing uncertainty and worried about his daughters.
American's Trip to Life's Other Side on Phuket
Mysterious Phuket Overstayer 'Lost Passport in 2004'
Long stay, no visa A mystery man who says he is an American and has been living on Phuket without a passport since the 2004 tsunami is to be fined and expelled.
Mysterious Phuket Overstayer 'Lost Passport in 2004'
The former chef has been taking extensive notes and plans to write a book about his experiences.
title suggestions please.. i'll start with ..
down and out in patong and rawaii!!
Posted by another steve on December 21, 2010 13:19