Thai women lose over 1 million baht in lottery ticket scam

Two women from Phichit province are grappling with severe financial distress after falling victim to a scam involving the purchase of lottery tickets at a discounted price of 7,500 baht per book. They never received the tickets, resulting in a total loss exceeding 1 million baht. Despite filing a police report, no progress has been made in the investigation.

Molchanok, a 43 year old woman, and her 66 year old mother, Saiyan, both residents of Bang Mun Nak district, Phichit, were approached by a woman referred to as Bee from Sak Lek district, Phichit. Bee convinced them to buy government lottery tickets for resale, promising a reduced price of 7,500 baht (US$200) per book.

Saiyan ended up losing over 800,000 baht (US$21,800), while Molchanok lost more than 460,000 baht (US$12,500), making their combined loss exceed 1 million baht (US$27,200).

“When I tried to contact Bee, she was unreachable. Her phone was off, and she wasn’t responding on Facebook.”

Saiyan reported the case to Bang Mun Nak police station in May but has seen no progress.

The police have not summoned her for questioning, nor have they made any effort to apprehend Bee. Attempts to contact the investigating officer have also been unsuccessful, leaving Molchanok and her mother increasingly worried, reported KhaoSod.

Molchanok expressed her frustration with the handling of the case by the Bang Mun Nak police, particularly the investigating officer who recorded their complaint but has not advanced the investigation.

“We are in serious trouble because we’ve been scammed, and the police haven’t done anything. We borrowed money to invest, and now we have no one to turn to.”

Molchanok appealed to Police Major General Thadet Klomklieng, Commander of the Phichit Provincial Police, to take action on their case. She emphasised their urgent need for help, as the situation has left them with no financial support.