Police Bust Fraudulent Company Luring Workers Abroad with False Promises; Over 100 Victims Lose 20 Million Baht
Police arrested two men in Tak province for running a fake overseas job recruitment scam that defrauded over 100 victims of 20 million baht through false promises of agricultural work in New Zealand and Australia.
On April 30, 2569, Police Lieutenant General Withaya Sripraseritphap, commander of the Royal Thai Police, ordered the arrest of two suspects, Thanakarn, 23, and Thraratep, 23, based on arrest warrants 2426 and 2427/2569 issued on April 27. They face charges of fraud, deception regarding overseas employment placement, illegal employment agency advertising, and computer data manipulation causing public harm. The arrests were made at a hotel in Mae Sod, Tak province.
The suspects allegedly operated a Facebook page titled "Overseas Jobs" recruiting Thai workers for agricultural positions in New Zealand and Australia, offering salaries of 90,000-100,000 baht with free accommodation. Applicants were directed to apply in person at Worldwide Visa Global Service Co., Ltd. in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi.
Applicants were required to pay various fees totaling 162,750 baht, including contract fees of 80,000 baht, life insurance of 40,000 baht, visa fees of 9,750 baht, and currency exchange fees of 33,000 baht. Some victims mortgaged vehicles, sold land, or took out loans to pay these fees.
After payment, the suspects promised training in Bangkok on April 25, but disappeared and became unreachable. Over 100 victims, both Thai and foreign nationals, reported losses exceeding 20 million baht to police investigators.
Investigation revealed the company was registered on September 29, 2568, with victims reporting being defrauded starting in September 2568. Checks on the alleged training hotel found no booking records. Four individuals are involved: Wanchalerm (company director), Ms. Pichtra (also known as Baem), Thanakarn, and Thraratep.
During interrogation, Thanakarn and Thraratep denied fraud allegations, claiming they only prepared documents and provided information before handing cases to Pichtra for contract signing and payment processing, all transferred to Wanchalerm. They were referred for legal proceedings while investigators continue pursuing the remaining suspects.
