Indian Student Visa Holder Arrested for Illegal 20% Interest Lending
A 22‑year‑old Indian man on a student visa was arrested in Nong Bua Lamphu for illegally lending money to local vendors at a 20% interest rate. Police seized cash and a loan ledger after responding to complaints about unlicensed money‑lending. The suspect faces charges of operating an unlicensed personal‑loan business and charging excessive interest.
On 11 October 2026, Police Colonel Suriyasuk Jirawas, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suwijak Ratnaphan, and Police Lieutenant Pongtham Pongpai led a team that arrested 22‑year‑old Indian national Mr. Chhotu for operating an unlicensed personal‑loan business and charging interest above the legal limit. Officers found 1,200 baht in cash and a notebook recording illegal loans. Mr. Chhotu had allegedly lent 2,000 baht to a vendor, requiring repayment of 100 baht per day for 24 days, amounting to 2,400 baht total - equivalent to a 20% interest charge over the period, or an annual rate of about 304%. He had entered Thailand on a student visa but used it to conduct the illegal lending activity. He was handed over to investigators at Mueang Nong Bua Lamphu Police Station for further legal action.
