Woman Loses 550,000 Baht to Ex-Subdistrict Chief Over Job Promise
A woman lost 550,000 baht to a former subdistrict chief in Ubon Ratchathani who promised to secure her a government job exam position but never delivered, leaving her with no recourse after he admitted spending the money entirely.
On September 24, 2026, a settlement hearing was held at the Dharma Centre in Khaem Rat District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The case involved a 43-year-old woman (referred to as Ms. A) and Praves, a former subdistrict chief in Ubon Ratchathani, with Siamol Promlee, Deputy District Officer of Khaem Rat, serving as a witness.
Ms. A had filed a complaint claiming that Praves promised to help her pass an examination for an internal audit officer position under the Northeast Local Government Promotion Department, Region 2, in 2022-2023. Believing his assurances, she paid him 550,000 baht, comprising 400,000 baht transferred to his bank account and 150,000 baht in cash. However, no examination was held in those years. When an exam was eventually administered in 2023 with results announced on January 11, 2026, her name did not appear.
On February 24, 2026, Ms. A filed a police report at Muang Tao Station and subsequently petitioned the Dharma Centre for assistance in recovering the money. Although the parties initially agreed to a repayment plan of 7,000 baht monthly over 79 months, Praves paid only two installments before stopping.
During mediation, Praves acknowledged receiving the 550,000 baht and admitted he had spent it entirely. He stated he could not repay the money and consented to legal action against him, accepting imprisonment without complaint, evasion, or further payment.
