Relatives surrender in 20 million baht Australian job scam
Parents, grandparents, and relatives surrendered to police in connection with a scam promising Australian jobs to 250 victims, resulting in losses of 20 million baht. The main suspect remains at large, prompting another summons scheduled for later this month.
The investigation in Buriram province revealed that 28 year old Thamonwan, also known as Oi, allegedly posed as an Australian Embassy official. She reportedly deceived Thai workers from various provinces into believing they could secure high-paying agricultural and hotel jobs in Australia.
Each victim paid a processing fee between 60,000 and 120,000 baht (US$1,735 to 3,470), totalling over 20 million baht (US$578,370). The scam unfolded when victims were left stranded at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on January 4 without any flights to Australia, as Thamonwan disappeared.
Yesterday, January 15, Thamonwan’s parents, grandparents, and one other relative were among five of the six suspects who surrendered to Phutthaisong District police, Buriram province, as per the summons. They face charges of fraudulently promising overseas employment and obtaining money or property from victims.
Thamonwan remains at large, and police plan to issue a second summons. If she fails to surrender, a warrant for her arrest will be sought. Nearly 100 victims from Phutthaisong district visited the police station to inquire about the case’s progress, urging police to expedite the arrest and seize Thamonwan’s assets to prevent their transfer or her escape abroad.
Victims are also calling for the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to classify the case as special due to its magnitude and the significant losses incurred. They seek assistance from the Ministry of Labour to support the affected workers, who span multiple provinces and have collectively lost more than 20 million baht.
Job scam
Nimnuan, a 57 year old farmer from Phutthaisong district, recounted being persuaded by Thamonwan, a local, to work on carrot farms in Australia under the false promise of a lucrative salary. Trusting Thamonwan, who claimed embassy connections, Nimnuan sold 2 baht of gold and six cows to afford the processing fee. She is now seeking a refund and justice for the deception.
Another victim, 25 year old Wirawan, expressed that she fell for the scam in hopes of financially supporting her family, including her two year old child. She is now seeking reimbursement of her 60,000 baht loss and wants DSI to speed up the investigation to prevent asset transfer and ensure the return of funds to victims.
Pol. Col. Thatchapol Songsang, the superintendent of Phutthaisong District Police Station, reported that over 70 victim testimonies have been collected, and evidence is being compiled for the case. He confirmed that five of the six summoned suspects, including Thamonwan’s parents, grandparents, and a non-relative, have turned themselves in. Thamonwan, however, remains at large, reported KhaoSod.
The five individuals who surrendered denied the charges during preliminary questioning but were released temporarily on the condition they would not flee and would attend all scheduled police appointments. They were not detained as they voluntarily came forward, have fixed addresses, and show no signs of attempting to escape.
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