Fortune Teller Dupes Businesswoman Out of 30 Million Baht
A fortune teller defrauded a 32-year-old businesswoman of over 30 million baht in Ko Lanta by using threats of family calamities to pressure her into buying ritual supplies over four years. Police are investigating after another victim repo
On August 2, 2025, at the Sai Yai Must Survive center on Wat Koh Road in Sai Yai district, a 32-year-old businesswoman filed a complaint with Ekaphop Luang Prasert, founder of the Sai Yai Must Survive Facebook page, against a famous fortune teller who had defrauded her of over 30 million baht across four years. Previously, a Thai-Hong Kong businesswoman had also come forward alleging that the same fortune teller had scammed her out of 40 million baht.
The victim, identified as Ms. A (pseudonym), explained that she operates a food sales business. Four to five years ago, she found the fortune teller's Facebook page and requested a fortune reading about her business. Initially, the teller made statements that matched reality and seemed credible, earning her trust. Over time, the fortune teller pressured her to purchase ritual supplies and perform ceremonies costing between 30,000 and 700,000 baht each. When she hesitated, the teller threatened that she and her family would face calamities and business failure, forcing her to transfer money repeatedly over 4-5 years.
When the Thai-Hong Kong businesswoman's case became public last month, the victim recognized the same scheme. The fortune teller subsequently contacted her claiming the news was false, but refused to issue a public clarification, convincing the victim she had been completely defrauded. She decided to seek help from Sai Yai Must Survive, urging other victims to stop sending money and file police reports.
Ekaphop Luang Prasert noted that fake fortune tellers and self-proclaimed experts proliferate due to current economic and social stress, with victims losing substantial sums when the fraudsters happen to guess correctly. A previous case involving the Thai-Hong Kong businesswoman is being investigated at Pravet Police Station. Luang Prasert will coordinate with Pol. Col. Chatchapan Klaengklin, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, to help victims file formal complaints and trace financial transactions to recover assets.
