Loan Sharks Threaten Elderly Vendor with Gun in Buriram
A 53-year-old noodle vendor in Buriram was forced into a cycle of illegal loans after co-signing for a friend. When she tried to settle the debt and withdraw as guarantor, a loan shark gang threatened her and her 12-year-old granddaughter at gunpoint, compelling her to close her shop and flee. She has prepared evidence to file a police report seeking a fair audit of the debt and an end to the intimidation.
BURIRAM — A 53-year-old noodle vendor, identified only as Ms. A, wept as she pleaded for help from the media after a loan shark gang threatened her life with a gun and called her 12-year-old granddaughter with death threats. The ordeal started about two months ago when a friend begged her to guarantee an informal loan, claiming the money would fund a grilled chicken and som tam business. The lenders imposed a condition: the guarantor must also borrow money. Out of compassion, Ms. A agreed to a 6,000 baht loan while her friend took 4,000 baht. On the disbursement day, 600 baht in upfront interest was deducted, leaving her with 5,400 baht, to be repaid at 300 baht daily for 24 days.
After 13 payments, the gang coerced her into an additional 1,500 baht loan while the original daily payments continued. On October 31, she was pressured into another 2,000 baht loan despite refusing and asking to replace the guarantor. When she resisted, they hurled insults and threatened her granddaughter, vowing to raid her shop and harm them. Terrified, Ms. A fled to a relative's house.
On November 8, the gang forced another 600 baht loan on her with the same 300 baht daily repayment for 24 days. She refused, insisting she wanted to consolidate and clear all debts and withdraw as guarantor. In response, a gang member revealed a handgun tucked at his waist and threatened to kill her. Fearing for her life, she closed her noodle shop and took her granddaughter into hiding.
Ms. A stressed she never intended to evade debt but wants a transparent audit of principal, interest, and payments made to determine the true balance. She has gathered evidence and plans to file a report at Lam Plai Mat Police Station, urging authorities to investigate the illegal lending, intimidation, and threats, and to mediate a fair settlement so she can reopen her shop and live without fear.
