Boat tragedy suspected to be involved with zero-dollar tour company

An initial Tourist Police Bureau investigation is pointing to incriminating evidence that suggests that the ‘Phoenix’ and ‘Serenata’ were involved with the zero-dollar tour ‘Tranlee’ network.

Tourist Police Deputy Commander Maj Gen Surachate Hakparn told a Phuket media briefing yesterday that the crackdown on 11 suspected zero-dollar tour companies in Phuket last year, is believed to have links to the two boats.

Maj Gen Surachate says, “we have seized 33 sets of company documents, nine computers, three laptops, more than 1,000 pieces of alleged tax evasion evidence and boat radio communication devices.”

“We have also arrested two suspects who were found allegedly encroaching on forest reserve and mangrove areas, and possession of items to evade income and liquor taxes.”

“For ‘Phoenix’ we have found that Woraluck ‘Yui’ Rueakchaiyakarn is the managing director in the T.C.Blue Co.,Ltd. We haven’t found the exact location of the company that is stated in the document as yet. But it clearly indicates that the business is suspected to be involved in zero-dollar tour operations.”

“For ‘Serenata’ the boat is owned by the Lazy Cat Travel Co.,Ltd. The boat is being rented from TCG Yacht Similan Co.Ltd. A Thai female, Anchalee Wittayanantapohnkun, from Chiang Mai is MD of the boat company. A Chinese man, Peng Ta Ping, is taking care of the business. ”

“TCG Yacht Similan Co.,Ltd is managed by a Thai man Ittirot ‘Chang’ Chawanpipatpong, who was a Manager of ‘Tranlee’ company in the past.”

“These two boats have been operated purely for Chinese tourists as one-day-trip operations. We strongly believe that these two boats have been involved with zero-dollar tour operations.”

Peerapat Engpongpan, director of the division 1 of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), says, “One boat was found involved with money laundering. The court has already issued a judgement in this case. More than a billion baht has been circulated by this company in efforts to evade taxes and cover up its money-trail.”