Retired Dentist Loses 20 Million Baht to Ex-Employee Scam

A retired dental professor and clinic owner filed a cyber crime complaint on July 24, 2025, at the Cyber Crime Police Division in Muang Thong Thani, Pathum Thani, alleging he was defrauded of over 20 million baht by a former female employee. The 65-year-old dentist, separated from his wife, had allowed the woman to live in his home after she befriended him and his two doctor daughters, who believed she was trustworthy and hired her as a caregiver.

The fraud was discovered when his daughters noticed his bank account balance declining rapidly and multiple credit cards being maxed out. Investigation revealed the woman had convinced him to invest in a durian export business facing financial difficulties, requesting transfers of money to help. Financial records showed some funds were transferred to accounts linked to online gambling websites.

Before fleeing, the woman obtained informal loans from multiple lenders by posing as the homeowner and showing them the victim's luxury house in Pathum Thani. This resulted in numerous loan collectors visiting the victim's home demanding repayment, causing distress and safety concerns to the family.

Police indicated the case may be classified as a "Hybrid Scam"—combining romance scam tactics to build trust with investment fraud. Investigators will examine the financial trail, recipient accounts, and related URLs. If the case falls under cyber crime jurisdiction, charges will be filed immediately; otherwise, it will be transferred to local investigators. Authorities urged the public, especially retirees with substantial savings, to be cautious of individuals who build relationships before soliciting investment or financial assistance, and recommended family members closely monitor elderly relatives' financial transactions.