Bangkok History Highlight: The Blue Diamond Affair [Season 3, Episode 35]

Continuing our series on interesting episodes in Thai
history, this episode focuses on the infamous Blue
Diamond Affair, It all started when a Thai
gardener named Kriangkrai Techamon, who was working in Saudi
Arabia, decided to make off with $20 million worth of gems and
jewelry belonging to a Saudi royal. Although the thief was caught
shortly after his return to Thailand, he had already sold much of
the loot, including the famed 50 karat 'Blue Diamond.' No problem
- the gems were returned to Saudi Arabia and an apology issued.
Case closed!


But! Soon after the treasure was returned,
Saudi authorities claimed that over half of the returned gems
were fake, including the Blue Diamond. The Saudi authorities sent
a special team of investigators to Bangkok to investigate...and
what followed was a tale of murder, kidnapping, and black magic,
with the ultimate result being a near-total diplomatic breakdown
between the two countries that continues to this day. It's a plot
almost too twisty for Hollywood, but listen in for details on one
of the strangest episodes in Thai history.


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