Emilio Ratelband issued a public plea on NH Radio for news regarding his father, Emile Ratelband, after months of silence, NH Radio reported.
Search for Emile Ratelband Sparks Family Concern
The family has offered a reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Emile Ratelband, who lives in Thailand with his partner, Natalia. Emilio last saw his father on January 3, 2025, when they landed at Schiphol Airport after a vacation. After a brief stay in the Netherlands, Emile returned to Thailand.
Empty Villa and Unanswered Questions
Emilio’s brother and sister visited the residential property in Thailand where Emile, Natalia, and their young children, Betheke and Maximus, live. They found the villa completely empty. Inquiries in the surrounding neighborhood yielded no information about the location.
Doubts Surround Messages from Thailand
While text messages occasionally arrive, Emilio suspects Natalia is sending them due to the broken Dutch used in the texts. A voice message claiming Emile wants to be left alone and no longer wishes to be a public figure also raised skepticism. Emilio stated that the father he knows would communicate such a decision directly and concretely.
Welfare Concerns for Young Children
Beyond the absence of contact with his father, Emilio expressed worry for his half-sister and half-brother, Betheke and Maximus, who are six and four years old. The family has not spoken with the children, who are too young to have a phone and approach the family themselves. Emilio noted that his relationship with his father was generally good prior to the sudden silence.
Questions and Answers Regarding the Investigation
When was Emile Ratelband last seen by his family?
Emilio Ratelband last saw his father on January 3, 2025, upon arriving at Schiphol Airport after a family holiday.
Who else is unreachable alongside Emile Ratelband?
Emile’s partner Natalia and their two young children, Betheke and Maximus, are also unreachable at their residence in Thailand.
What did family members discover at the residence in Thailand?
Emilio’s brother and sister visited the family’s home address and found a completely empty villa.
Has Emilio Ratelband experienced missing persons investigations previously?
Yes, Emilio himself was two weeks missing in 2023, at 15 years of age, after which police confirmed he was safe.
Related reading