Swimming Instructor Offers to Return Only Half of Money

On August 18, 2569, a radio programme called Noh Kra-Aew presented the story of Khun Tae, a subdistrict administrative officer, who publicly demanded justice against Khru Nam, a hired teacher, whom he accused of tricking him into sending over 514,800 baht in total, including 300,000 baht in bride price and additional educational expenses. The pair met on June 14, 2569, through a dating application. Khru Nam claimed to be single and newly on the app. After chatting, they met in person on July 10 and agreed to date. Khun Tae said he was impressed when she offered to support his further education.

Khun Tae began transferring money on July 20 with an initial 28,000 baht for tuition. On July 21, he sent 70,000 baht for education and 300,000 baht as bride price to move into her home. He also transferred 23,000 baht on July 23. The truth emerged on August 3 when Khun Tae's friend grew suspicious and discovered that Khru Nam had married a naval officer on May 10, 2569—just one month before she began communicating with Khun Tae. On August 4, the friend confirmed that Khru Nam and her navy husband had registered their divorce that very morning, though she had lied to Khun Tae that morning, claiming she was having breakfast with a friend.

Khru Nam admitted she had married the naval officer on May 10, 2569, separated in early June, and sought emotional healing without repeating past disappointment. When asked what resolution she wanted, Khun Tae and his sister insisted on a full refund. His sister revealed that initially the family had not demanded everything back out of sympathy for the woman, but because the other party refused to repay and made excuses, they had to go public. Khru Nam insisted she would not refund the full amount, claiming all the money and valuables remained intact, that she still loved Khun Tae, and wanted to continue dating, marry him, and start anew.

Khun Tae's sister firmly rejected this, demanding full repayment. A lawyer present noted that the woman had committed fraud by concealing the truth from the start and warned that if she did not refund immediately, a lawsuit would be filed. Khru Nam responded that she too had suffered—the man had lived at her home and, as a woman, she had lost her reputation. When the lawyer suggested she propose a figure for negotiation, Khru Nam offered to return only half, saying she had also been harmed, was now too ashamed to stay home, and did not know what her employment prospects would be. Khun Tae's sister remained adamant: no deal.

Khru Nam later admitted she had married and divorced after just one month before meeting Khun Tae, and acknowledged she had failed to tell him. She said she was no longer working as a teacher and had left to sell motorcycles, though she kept wedding photos as motivation.