Contractor Scams Surin Construction Supply Shop of 312,000 Baht
A construction materials shop owner in Surin province says a contractor defrauded him of over 312,000 baht for supplies used to build eight border bunkers bearing a prominent fund's logo. The contractor, Jakkrapan, vanished after receiving materials on credit, claiming payments would come from his company. Dozens of other victims across several northeastern provinces have filed police reports against the same individual for similar scams.
On November 11, 2026, Sathit Manin, owner of a construction materials shop in Bak Dai subdistrict, Panom Dong Rak district, Surin province, filed a public complaint stating he was cheated by a contractor named Jakkrapan, who owes 312,227.07 baht for materials used to build bunkers. Sathit said Jakkrapan took supplies to construct eight bunkers for villagers in Bak Dai and Ta Mueang subdistricts, Panom Dong Rak district. The projects displayed logos of a well-known fund on each bunker, with construction starting in January. Phuwanai Kham Sai Khao, a relative of the victim, added that Jakkrapan contacted the shop to buy materials on credit, promising payment from his company after construction. Work began after the second round of border clashes in January. Initially, the company paid the shop normally, but the final lot of 50,000 baht remained unpaid. After the shop pursued payment, Jakkrapan and the company paid only about 10,000 baht, leaving the 312,227.07 baht balance. Subsequent attempts to contact Jakkrapan failed. The shop trusted him because he claimed the materials were for a fund-backed bunker project, leading to significant financial burden including worker wages and outstanding product costs. Additionally, dozens of other victims in Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Sangkha district, and Panom Dong Rak district have reported similar scams by the same individual, and police complaints have been filed. When contacted by reporters, Jakkrapan claimed he was merely a subcontractor hired by the company and was only asked to secure credit from the shop. He said he also tried contacting the company but was told they were still arranging payment for the remainder.
