Bangkok cops reel in cunning Phuket light rail project con artist
The Metropolitan Police Investigation Bureau cops in Bangkok reeled in a cunning fraudster who duped victims into a sham Phuket light rail project investment scheme. The lady in question, only identified as 44 year old Ms Wongduean, was apprehended on Nawamin 70 Road in the bustling Bueng Kum district on Sunday, October 27.
Ms Wongduean is accused of swindling over 7.7 million baht, convincing two hapless investors that their cash was destined for the Phuket light rail project – a promise that turned out to be as sturdy as a sandcastle.
Police pounced on her with a fraud warrant issued by Thungsong Provincial Court just days prior. According to the IDMB, between 2023 and 2024, she spun her web of deceit, promising laughable returns, a mere 150,000 baht down allegedly promised a jaw-dropping 10 million baht reward.
One victim fell deep into her trap, making a staggering 70 transfers totalling 5.7 million baht. Her sister, not wanting to miss out on the “opportunity of a lifetime,” added another 2 million through 30 transfers.
The scales fell from their eyes too late but they promptly took their grievances to the police. Investigators soon discovered that Wongduean has a criminal resume as lengthy as it is unsavoury, dotted with fraud, forgery, and bad cheques since 2013. Just in this year, her name popped up in connection with six embezzlement cases, police reported.
During her capture, Wongduean, sticking to her guns, denied any intent to deceive. She brazenly claimed that the investments required time to blossom into returns. Yet, she’s now cooling her heels in custody at Chawang Police Station, facing the music.
Police Major General Thiradech Thamsuthee, the Crime Suppression Division’s head honcho, didn’t mince words, issuing a public warning against charming fraudsters promising the moon. He urged investors to research investment opportunities thoroughly, especially those boasting sky-high returns that seem too good to be true.
The raid that nabbed Ms Wongduean was a feather in the cap for Pol. Maj. Gen. Thiradech and his crack team from the Crime Suppression Division, showcasing another win in their battle against fraudsters.
With investigations continuing to unravel the full extent of Wongduean’s charades, there could be more twists in this saga yet.
