Thai woman nabbed for ‘official’ antics and fraud-fooling spree

The Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (CIB) arrested a Thai woman in the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok for impersonating a government official and committing 14 counts of fraud.

The arrest of the suspect, 47 year old Suwadee, followed a senator’s mention of her during a parliamentary meeting on August 20. Suwadee frequently dressed in all-white attire, resembling a politician, and attended parliamentary sessions.

Suwadee falsely claimed that she worked with former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. She also asserted that she was the adopted daughter of former army chief Anupong Paojinda, a relative of Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul, and a friend of former politician Newin Chidchob.

Following these actions, CIB officers searched and arrested her at her rented residence in the Lat Krabang district yesterday, October 6. In addition to impersonating a government official, Suwadee was found to be named in 14 arrest warrants for fraud.

Officers seized items used in her crimes, including an all-white uniform, two black jackets embroidered with parliamentary and PM’s office logos, a fake card identifying her as a political party representative, and her vehicle, a grey Toyota Camry.

CIB reported that Suwadee’s fraudulent activities started small before escalating. She was involved in various construction and investigation scams and deceived people into investing in a card scheme called Bat Lung Tu Plus (meaning Uncle Tu card).

Suwadee firmly denied all allegations against her, asserting that she has been cleared in 13 fraud cases after making appropriate restitution. She states that only one case, the Bat Lung Tu Plus, remains ongoing in court. She explained that she borrowed a friend’s uniform to take photos in Parliament, insisting she had no other intentions.

Suwadee further revealed her aspirations to run for Member of Parliament, which she claims was the reason behind the photo session in the parliamentary setting. However, police observed she was wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet, a typical sign of a previous arrest. Suwadee brushed off concerns, claiming she wore the device “just for fun.”

As of now, the police have not revealed the specific charges that Suwadee might be facing.