3-5-2024 (BANGKOK) A housekeeper in Koh Samui has found herself the unexpected beneficiary of a substantial inheritance following the tragic demise of a French villa owner, who reportedly took her own life.
The inheritance, estimated to be worth up to THB100 million (S$3.6 million), comprises various assets including a luxurious villa, vacant land, a high-end car, valuable accessories, jewellery, and an undisclosed sum of cash in the bank.
Details surrounding the apparent suicide of the 59-year-old villa owner, identified as Catherine, remain shrouded in mystery.
Nattawalai, known as Tim, revealed that she had a close relationship with Catherine spanning over 17 years. Initially employed as a housekeeper at Catherine’s rental rooms on the recommendation of a mutual friend, Tim eventually became an integral part of Catherine’s expanding business ventures, including managing luxury villas and resorts.
Twelve years ago, Catherine purchased land on Koh Samui and established a company to oversee five villas, one of which was designated as her personal residence. The management of these properties involved a team comprising Tim, Catherine, and her ex-husband, Vincent.
On Monday (29 April), Tim received a distressing call from a pool cleaner at Catherine’s private villa, informing her of Catherine’s tragic demise by the pool. Rushing to the scene, Tim discovered Catherine’s lifeless body with a gunshot wound to the temple, alongside a firearm found nearby.
The circumstances leading to Catherine’s death remain unclear, compounded by the absence of CCTV footage capturing the final moments. However, prior to her demise, Catherine had sent a message via the Line application to Tim, revealing her intention to bequeath her assets to her loyal housekeeper.
According to the message, Catherine bequeathed her villa, adjacent land, luxury car, jewellery, and a substantial sum of money in the bank to Tim, amounting to ฿50 million (S$1.8 million). Additionally, she entrusted Tim with the care of her three cats and allocated funds for funeral expenses, wages, and utility bills.
Despite her newfound wealth, Tim remains uncertain about the future of the villa but has expressed no intention to sell it or the luxury car. Speculation suggests that Catherine’s suicide may have been prompted by her battle with cancer, as she had frequently confided in Tim about her struggles with pain.
In a poignant final message written in French, Catherine expressed her unwavering trust in Tim’s integrity, appointing her as the executor of her will. She detailed her final wishes, including her preferred resting place and a list of contacts to be informed of her passing.
