Man Posing as Special Colonel Flashes Connections to PM, Demands Free Meal at Restaurant; Criminal History Exposed
A 42-year-old man claiming to be a special colonel with ties to Thailand's prime minister was arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima for refusing to pay a 600-baht restaurant bill; police found no military record but uncovered multiple fraud and ass
On May 26, 2025, a restaurant owner in Nakhon Ratchasima reported to police the arrest of Thongpoon (surname withheld), 42, a customer who consumed food and drinks but refused to pay a 600-baht bill. Thongpoon claimed to hold the rank of special colonel, live near Prime Minister Anuthun Charnveerakul's residence, and have connections with senior police officers, using these claims to demand a free meal.
Police investigation revealed Thongpoon has no legitimate military service record whatsoever. However, authorities uncovered numerous criminal charges against him, including two fraud cases in Phrae Province and one in Pak Chong District. Additional charges include indecent assault of a restaurant worker in Phrae, gambling offenses in Nakhon Ratchasima, and a previous scam where he impersonated a detective major to defraud a famous celebrity.
Before the restaurant incident, Thongpoon also attempted to dine and dash at a milk bar in central Nakhon Ratchasima, claiming he would withdraw cash from an ATM and leaving his bag as collateral. Following his arrest at the restaurant for fraud charges, police will transfer him to other jurisdictions with outstanding arrest warrants to face additional charges.
