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Published on November 2, 2007

"Our investigation shows the woman is illiterate and that her then-husband almost emptied the money from her bank account. He's the one who showed up to withdraw money from the bank," Muang Suphan Buri Police superintendent Colonel Chairat Tippayajan said yesterday.

Suchin Pantaeng, 37, reportedly had Bt6 million in her account when she moved in to live with Aree (surname withheld) but had only Bt250 left when she moved back to live with her father.

Due to an illness at a young age, Suchin's legs were too weak to support her in a standing position. To move around, she "walks" using her arms and legs.

Despite her disability, Suchin worked hard to support herself, her father and niece.

Her admirable courage was featured in a popular TV documentary in 2005, after which she received about Bt6 million in donations.

Aree then showed up at Suchin's house saying he felt empathy for her after watching how she had worked so hard in her life. Through regular visits, Suchin fell in love with Aree. In early 2006, he asked her to live with him and she agreed.

Aree and Suchin, however, told very different stories about what happened during the 11 months they lived together.

Suchin says Aree persuaded her to give him money time and again - until her bank account was almost empty.

When the money ran out, Aree showed his "true colours" and got abusive - so Suchin returned to live with her father.

Suchin sought help from relevant authorities, after the TV crew who had documented her story, visited her and found out what had happened.

After the complaint reached the police and media attention, Aree told his side of the story. He said he never intended to deceive Suchin and that he really did fall in love with her.

He denied reports he took her as his wife when he was legally married to another woman.

 "I will prove my innocence," Aree said tearfully.

Aree claims he only realised Suchin had a lot of money after they had lived together for about two months.

He also insisted that he had already returned the pickup and land plot he bought using Suchin's money to her when they separated.

 The Nation