Surat Thani police hunt suspect in 3 million baht ticket scam
Fraudster vanishes after pocketing millions in fake travel bookings
Police in Surat Thani intensified efforts to apprehend a woman accused of defrauding over 50 people by selling unusable airline tickets, resulting in damages exceeding 3 million baht. A warrant for her arrest was issued yesterday, May 7.
Police Major General Sermpan Sirikhong, commander of Surat Thani provincial police, disclosed that Kaewta Chookhao deceived victims by claiming she could secure discounted airline tickets for both domestic and international flights.
Trusting her, many transferred money to her, only to find out the tickets were invalid when they attempted to use them. Investigators interviewed victims and have scheduled further interviews to pursue legal action.
The case involves approximately 50 victims, with total damages estimated at 3,672,890 baht (US$112,390). Complaints have been filed at Bo Phut Police Station and others.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sermpan stated that Police General Kittirat Phanphet, national police chief, and Police Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomchit, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, urged swift action to arrest the suspect. The charges involve public fraud, which carries severe penalties, and many victims have suffered substantial financial losses.
Police aim to investigate further upon arrest, as there might be more victims or accomplices involved in the fraudulent scheme. Pol. Maj. Gen. Sermpan emphasised that any evidence implicating others will lead to strict legal action.
Additionally, today, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sirachat Kamuni, an investigator from Bo Phut Police Station, compiled evidence to request an arrest warrant from Koh Samui provincial court. The court approved the warrant numbered 134/2568, dated May 7, and it has been disseminated to all police stations and immigration offices nationwide, reported KhaoSod.
The commander of Surat Thani provincial police has instructed the Bo Phut investigative team and the provincial investigation division to intensify efforts to capture Kaewta and further probe into the fraud case. He urged the suspect to surrender, as evasion is futile.
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