Thai officer’s suicide linked to wife’s 100 million baht fraud scheme

A woman involved in a controversial rotating savings scheme in Buri Ram is now suspected to be linked to the apparent suicide of her police officer husband, investigators report.

Police found the officer, 42 year old Nattaphon, dead in his Ford Ranger with a bullet wound to the right side of his head and a 9-millimetre pistol nearby. The vehicle had crashed into a barrier in front of a bank in Chokchai district of Nakhon Ratchasima early yesterday.

Efforts to save Nattaphon were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Chokchai Hospital.

Investigations by Nattaphon’s colleagues revealed that his wife, Wilasinee, is currently facing charges for breaching the Rotating Savings and Credit Act in Buri Ram. Police suspect Nattaphon might have shot himself during a heated phone call with Wilasinee while driving, leading to the crash.

Further inquiries revealed that Wilasinee had previously been detained on similar charges but allegedly avoided prosecution with her husband’s help. Despite this, she reportedly resumed her illicit activities after a period abroad.

Approximately 200 individuals have lodged complaints against Wilasinee, alleging that she claimed her police officer husband could persuade them to join her savings scheme, reported Bangkok Post.

Wilasinee now faces multiple fraud and illegal investment charges, with damages amounting to over 100 million baht (US$3 million).

In related news, Thai police revealed that an online gold seller is facing multiple charges following complaints from customers. They allege the gold sold was falsely advertised as 99.99% pure. Police are currently investigating to determine the full extent of the allegations.

Police Major General Wichaya Sriprasertphas, head of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), stated that the police are working in conjunction with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to examine the gold sold by Mae Tak Korakarn Suwannabut. The OCPB is responsible for protecting consumer rights in civil cases and will verify the authenticity of the gold in question.