Man defrauded by ex-village chief in Chiang Rai probation scam
A man in Chiang Rai, concerned about violating probation conditions and potentially returning to prison, reported being defrauded of over 415,000 baht by a former village assistant headman. The incident was reported yesterday, December 11, at the Mae Sai Police Station in Chiang Rai province.
Thanawit, accompanied by relatives, filed a complaint with Angsumarin Meeboonlap, an investigative officer, alleging that a former assistant headman in Wiang Phang Kham subdistrict, who also served as the chairman of the village security team and a volunteer probation officer, had deceived and extorted money from him under the guise of clearing probation issues.
Thanawit recounted his history of legal troubles, which included charges of extortion and computer-related offences, resulting in a two-year and one-month prison sentence. He was granted early release after serving 11 months but was required to wear an electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet.
Recently, he found himself at risk of returning to jail due to further violations. To resolve the situation, he sought advice from the head of the village security team, who claimed to have connections with probation officers and could negotiate a resolution.
“The first demand was for 50,000 baht in cash, supposedly to hire a lawyer. Subsequently, another 500,000 baht was requested, allegedly to pay off probation officers and other expenses, though the truth of these claims was uncertain.”
Over multiple transactions, he transferred 415,000 baht to the former assistant headman. However, despite repeatedly inquiring about the progress, he received no updates. He was told not to worry if no one contacted him.
Scammed
Growing suspicious, Thanawit decided to contact the probation office directly to inquire about his case. To his dismay, he was informed that his situation remained unchanged. The revelation led him to believe he had been scammed, prompting him to demand the return of his money.
Initially, the former assistant headman agreed to return the funds within a month. However, when the deadline passed, he was met with excuses and requests for further discussions with unnamed individuals, causing Thanawit significant distress.
“I am facing financial difficulties because the money was borrowed from others, who are now demanding repayment. Despite my efforts, the person responsible now claims that some of the money has already been spent, but still refuses to return the rest.”
The police have registered the complaint and are in the process of gathering evidence. They plan to summon the accused for questioning and will proceed according to the law, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why might individuals trust those claiming connections in legal matters?
Desperation and fear of legal repercussions can drive individuals to trust those who appear authoritative or connected.
How do scams exploit psychological vulnerabilities in legal contexts?
Scammers prey on fear and urgency, exploiting the victim’s desire for quick resolutions to complex legal issues.
What if the victim had contacted official channels first?
Engaging with official channels could have provided clarity, potentially preventing the scam by confirming the legitimacy of the offered solutions.
How can community roles be manipulated for personal gain?
Individuals in trusted positions may misuse their perceived authority and connections, deceiving others for personal financial benefit.
What systemic changes could prevent similar scams in the future?
Improved transparency in probation processes and community education initiatives could reduce vulnerability to such scams.
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