Government Orders Crackdown on 'Contractor One' Scamming Homebuilding Clients - 60 Victims, 45 Million Baht in Losses

Deputy Prime Minister Supamaas Issaraphakdi, overseeing the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), disclosed developments in the case of Kriang Kai (surname withheld), known as 'Contractor One,' a home construction contractor and operator of the Facebook page 'Huan Jeep Home Building,' later renamed 'Contractor One Home Building.' The contractor appeared on a radio program on May 6, following the discovery of over 60 victims across northeastern provinces including Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, and Sisaket, with total damages exceeding 45 million baht.

Supamaas stated that upon learning of the case, she immediately ordered CPB Secretary-General Ranrong Poolphiphat to dispatch officials for urgent investigation and assigned Consumer Protection Director 3 Lertsak Ruktham to participate in the case and gather facts rapidly.

The contractor's modus operandi involved using beautiful home photographs from others on his Facebook page, offering construction at 9,000-10,000 baht per square meter with promotional packages including air conditioning and hot water systems. He convinced consumers to transfer large deposit amounts ranging from 500,000 baht to full payments in the millions. After receiving payment, he would only pour the foundation, erect steel frames, or build the roof before abandoning the project.

Supamaas highlighted the most heartbreaking case: a 59-year-old civil servant who invested 2 million baht in life savings to build a retirement home but was defrauded, resulting in severe stress and death. This demonstrates that contractor abandonment causes not only financial loss but destroys people's life dreams.

CPB officials discovered that Kriang Kai's business violated consumer contract regulations. The contractor used unfair contract terms such as specifying that the five-month construction timeline begins only from the day the main posts are erected, making it difficult for consumers to claim compensation for delays. He also failed to provide payment receipts as required by CPB regulations.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that CPB exercised legal authority to summon Kriang Kai for a meeting on May 12, 2025 at 9:30 AM at CPB headquarters to present all victim information and clarify facts, as well as discuss compensation. Legal action both civil and criminal will follow if violations are confirmed.

'I have ordered CPB to take proactive action immediately so consumers don't have to file individual civil lawsuits,' Supamaas stated. 'The contractor's actions have treated people unjustly regarding housing, which is essential to people's livelihoods. The government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul prioritizes consumer protection as urgent policy. The money people save their entire lives to build one home will not be allowed to be fraudulently taken away without consequence.

I have also ordered CPB to coordinate with law enforcement agencies...'