Drunk Man Arrested for Impersonating Utility Official
A 58-year-old man arrested in Chaiyaphum was impersonating a utility official to collect fake bills from residents across northeastern Thailand. The suspect, a fired security guard who drank before scamming victims, had previously served pr
On August 13, officials from Chumphae District, Khon Kaen province—including District Officer Oeuaijai Khambunruang, Chumphae Police Station Commander Rathapol Laoprrom, Deputy Commander Laksan Duanglamphan, and Security Affairs Officer Somkit Chamnaikul—announced the arrest of 58-year-old Chanyawit for traveling around posing as an electricity and water utility official to collect outstanding bills from residents. He was captured in Phu Khiao district, Chaiyaphum, while attempting to flee on a motorcycle.
The investigation began on August 11 when 23-year-old Rungtawan reported being scammed. Chanyawit posed as a utility official, arrived at her home on a motorcycle wearing an official-style shirt, and demanded 1,570 baht in overdue electricity charges, threatening to cut her power if she did not pay. She believed him and handed over the cash. After discovering she had been defrauded, she filed a complaint with police. Multiple Facebook users had already shared images of the suspect's behavior across the area, revealing many victims.
During questioning, Chanyawit confessed that he works as a security guard, was fired for heavy drinking, and was thrown out of his home by his father-in-law. He began traveling on his motorcycle, purchased counterfeit utility company uniforms and fake bills from local shops, and would drink alcohol to gather courage before approaching residents, shopkeepers, and homeowners claiming to collect deposits and settle outstanding bills. Some believed him and paid; others refused. He spent the collected money immediately. He had previously targeted Udon Thani province, was arrested and convicted, served three months in prison, and upon release resumed his scams in Chumphae district, Khon Kaen.
