Lost Money, Lost Freedom: Authorities Arrest Cambodian Fortune Teller for Defrauding Woman and Sexual Assault, Extorting Over 1.7 Million Baht
A 65-year-old Cambodian fortune teller was arrested in Chon Buri for defrauding a woman of 1.7 million baht and sexually assaulting her during fake spiritual rituals between January and April 2025.
On May 23, 2025, Colonel Pisit Tangsirisiab, commander of Na Jomtien Police Station, along with Deputy Commander Lieutenant Colonel Adisorn Kongkoy and investigation officers, arrested 65-year-old Bunyarut pursuant to a Pattaya Provincial Court warrant on charges of fraud and sexual assault. The arrest took place at his Cambodian fortune-telling shop in Na Jomtien Subdistrict, Sattahip District, Chon Buri Province.
The case originated from a 51-year-old woman's complaint that she met the suspect through a referral while experiencing romantic troubles and seeking spiritual cleansing and karma resolution. The suspect claimed he could resolve her karma, improve her fortune, and reunite her with her lover. He then convinced her to participate in various rituals while continuously collecting tuition fees, ceremonial supplies, and ritual charges from January through April 2025, totaling damages exceeding 1.7 million baht.
The victim alleged that during the rituals, the suspect inserted a wooden pestle into her genitals and sexually assaulted her, claiming these acts were part of the ceremony to remove negativity and open her love fortune. She stated she felt frightened and did not dare resist.
When the victim later suspected she was being defrauded, she gathered evidence and filed a complaint. Police investigated the financial trail, communications, and witness statements before obtaining a court arrest warrant. The suspect was eventually apprehended.
Initially, Bunyarut denied all charges, claiming the woman gave him the money voluntarily and their relationship was consensual. However, police remain unconvinced and are proceeding with legal prosecution.
