Thai partner stole 70000 baht from me, what would the police do in this circumstance?

I gave him the money, to help pay for a business which didn’t plan out. He kept the money, as we were looking for other options and said he’ll keep it there to pay, so we didn’t get bank charges sending it back & forth.

No business plans out, im asking for the money back , many excuses to not repay etc. turns out he’s gambled and smoked all the money away.

He’s begged me not to go to the police, I’ve accepted I will not get the money back and he has no way of paying it back. I feel also like the police would not help as it’s his word against mine, not a direct theft. But I also feel foolish as he’s essentially getting off free? Would he be forced to repay, or prison? Or would they not care?

P.S I also already know I’m a prize idiot for trusting him.