Travel agency owner arrested for defrauding customers of 4m baht in European tour deposits
Police apprehend a travel agency owner accused of defrauding customers out of 4 million baht (US$ 115,495) in deposit money for European tours. The suspect, 47 year old Supachoke, was arrested in front of his Thonburi accommodation after a considerable number of victims filed complaints.
Yesterday, in response to several complaints, officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) arrested Supachoke on charges of collaboration in fraud, inducing false information into a computer system, and causing damage to the tourism industry. The arrest took place in front of Bupa Phra Ram in Thonburi, Bangkok.
The complaints were lodged by multiple victims who had deposited money with the travel agency owned by Supachoke for the purchase of European tour packages. After making the payments, they found themselves unable to embark on the planned tours, resulting in a total loss of more than 4 million baht, reported Khaosod.
Upon receiving the complaints, CPPD officials gathered evidence and obtained an arrest warrant. It was subsequently discovered that Supachoke was on his way to give testimony in a similar case filed at Bupa Phra Ram police station. Officers then proceeded to arrest him at the location.
During the investigation, Supachoke denied the allegations. He was later handed over to the investigating officers of Division One of the CPPD to proceed with the case.
In another case three days ago, clothing traders in Udon Thani reported a 38 year old woman known as ‘Som Priao‘ for defrauding over 30 people in an online share scheme and escaping with 1.3 million baht (US$37,700). The victims claim she now lives a luxurious life at their expense, as they face financial difficulties, and urge the police to help recover their funds.
One victim, 38 year old Pha (full name withheld), revealed that she got to know Som Priao when she became a regular customer at her clothing store, where they eventually became close acquaintances. Recently, Som Priao invited her and other merchants to join an online share scheme called “Online Share House By Som Priao.” Trusting her, many of the merchants invested various amounts, ranging from a few thousand to 300,000 baht (US$8,700). To read more click HERE.
