High school graduate poses as fake doctor, causes 3 million baht loss
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a fake doctor who deceived victims into investing in a beauty clinic. Investigators revealed that his highest educational qualification was only a high school diploma.
Victims filed complaints with the CIB after discovering that the individual, who invited them to invest in the beauty clinic, had no medical education or licence. The fake doctor was identified as 25 year old Panatphum.
CIB officers found that Panatphum not only operated his own clinic but also worked part-time at several other beauty clinics in Bangkok. He often introduced himself to business partners and others as an expert in facial surgery.
After learning about his fraudulent claims, the victims were unable to recover their investments, which amounted to an overall loss of 3 million baht. Furthermore, the clinics that employed Panatphum suffered reputational damage and lost the trust of their clients.
Once his fraudulent activities were exposed, Panatphum went into hiding to avoid his victims and evade arrest. However, the CIB eventually tracked him down at a luxury condominium in Bangkok and raided his accommodation on December 1.
Panatphum has been transferred to Wang Thong Lang Police Station for legal proceedings. He faces charges under three sections of the law:
- Section 342 of the Criminal Law: Fraud. The penalty is up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
- Section 26 of the Medical Profession Act: Practising as a medical professional without a licence. The penalty is up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.
- Section 28 of the Medical Profession Act: Using words or phrases to falsely claim professional medical status. The penalty is up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
Channel 7 reported that Panatphum carried only a high school diploma and did not pursue any special courses related to the medical industry.
Last month, another fake doctor, Thananon “Ek” Nirunchaiwan, associated with the alleged Ponzi scheme company The iCon Group, was arrested. Thananon was found impersonating a doctor to gain investors’ trust, convincing them to invest in the company.
