Seven arrested in Phuket loan shark crackdown

Phuket Provincial Deputy Commander Col Sermpan Sirikong says, “We’ve arrested four male and two female suspects in a loan shark crackdown on May 15 and 16.”

“The five male suspects are 41 year old Adiraek Henghoo, 21 year old Ratanapon Haemtong, 26 year old Taechit Eakkanaprat, 23 year old Chawankorn Sukpan and 38 year old Kittisak Wongsamai. Two female suspects are 27 year old Pilaipohn Taruaraksa and 29 year old Wimon Buaprapa.”

“They were all arrested in Chalong, Thalang, Kathu, Patong and Muang Phuket areas.”

“Suspects admitted that an interest rate is being charged on loans, over the limit by law, but they have never physically harmed any debtors. All suspects have been charged with offences relating to the Excessive Interest Rate Prohibition.”

“We are continuing our crackdown on illegal loan sharks who try and charge exorbitant interest rates on gullible and vulnerable people,” said Col Sermpan Sirikong.

Any person who is in trouble with loan sharks can call the 191 hotline for 24 hour service. Police will immediately respond to any calls of inappropriate dealing with unlicensed loan providers.”