Thai Embassy Warns Businessman of Consequences Over Disputed Sh2.4 Million Claim

A Nairobi businessman is facing potential legal action from the Royal Thai Embassy after pursuing a Sh2.4 million claim for what the diplomatic mission describes as an unauthorized travel arrangement that has raised questions of fraud.

Nasurdin Abdi Yussuf, owner of Campfire Chronicles Travel Tours and Safaris based in Kilimani, found himself at the center of a diplomatic dispute following what he believed was a legitimate business deal with the Thai Embassy in July 2025.

The controversy began on July 24 when Yussuf received a phone call from someone identifying herself as Joan Wanjiku Ngari, allegedly representing the Royal Thai Embassy.

The caller invited him to discuss a dealership arrangement that would see his company finance travel for eight individuals to Bangkok for a forum organized by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and the Department of International Trade Promotion.

During a three-hour meeting at the embassy from 2 pm to 5 pm, Yussuf was presented with what appeared to be a lucrative opportunity.

The arrangement involved his company purchasing airline tickets for the eight travelers, with reimbursement promised within 21 days.

Eager to secure favorable terms, Yussuf negotiated the payment window down to 14 days before agreeing to the deal.

The travelers included both Kenyan and Congolese nationals, among them Emily Jerop Silah, Josephine Ngina Masai, Martha Muthoni Migui, and Congolese citizens Bwira Ntabala Flavier, Banga Alain, and Peterson Luliba.

Despite facing challenges with Thai-language booking details, Yussuf proceeded to purchase the tickets on July 25, drawing funds from his company accounts.

However, the promised reimbursement never materialized.

When Yussuf attempted to follow up on the payment in August, he encountered a series of obstacles.

His visits to the embassy on August 11, 12, and 13 were met with refusals at the gate, with security personnel citing various reasons including meetings, public holidays, and general unavailability of embassy staff.

The situation took a dramatic turn when the Thai Embassy revealed that Joan Wanjiku Ngari had resigned on July 25, 2025, with her departure effective August 1.

Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Natthapong Senanarong issued a categorical denial of any authorized arrangement with Yussuf’s company.

“Any contract allegedly executed by her was done without our knowledge or authorization and does not create a binding obligation on the Embassy,” Senanarong stated, indicating that the matter had been referred to both the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Diplomatic Police Unit for further investigation.

Frustrated by the turn of events and mounting financial losses, Yussuf enlisted legal representation.

On August 15, his lawyers formally demanded the Sh2.4 million reimbursement along with additional damages for breach of contract from the embassy.

The embassy’s response was swift and uncompromising.

Through their legal counsel, Olukaka Derrick, the diplomatic mission rejected Yussuf’s claim as entirely baseless and warned of serious consequences for what they characterized as an attempt to improperly extract funds from a foreign mission.

“Your client’s claim is entirely without merit and constitutes an attempt to improperly extract funds from a foreign mission,” the embassy’s legal response read, with a stern warning that continued pursuit of the claim could be deemed fraudulent behavior.

For Yussuf, what began as what he described as a “mouth-watering deal” has evolved into a potential legal nightmare with serious implications for both his business and personal reputation.

The involvement of criminal investigation authorities suggests this case may extend beyond a simple contractual dispute, potentially examining whether fraudulent activity occurred and, if so, determining which party may be responsible for the deception that has left a Nairobi businessman out of pocket by Sh2.4 million.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​