BANGKOK, THAILAND — Two Thai television actors, Kittiphat ‘Gun’ Lerk-ukot (aged 26) and Pratchayakarn ‘Mudmee’ Promkling (aged 24), reported on 2024 their losses of more than 1.8 million baht after trusting a colleague who promised returns from restaurants, car care shops and film projects.
Actors report deception and loss
On 2024, Kittiphat Lerk-ukot told officers at Chok Chai Police Station in Bangkok that he had transferred approximately 1 million baht (around €25,000) to the alleged scammer. During the same filing, Pratchayakarn Promkling submitted documents showing her loss of 800,000 baht. Both actors said the man—identified by them only as a fellow television performer—invited them to invest in joint ventures with promised yields of 6 to 7 percent per month.
“HE SHOWED PHOTOS AND BANK SLIPS TO PROVE PROFITS,” Kittiphat Lerk-ukot recounted, adding that the early small payouts convinced them of the legitimacy of the scheme.
Promises turn into unpaid credits
By mid-2024, the pair said, payments stopped. The accused then requested private loans several times between May and October 2024, totaling nearly 300,000 baht, which remained unpaid. “WE REALIZED IT WAS ALL A LIE WHEN THE CALLS WENT UNANSWERED,” said Mudmee Promkling in her official statement on record at the Bangkok precinct.
According to their testimony, at least five additional victims working in the entertainment industry made similar complaints but received no follow‑up from investigators for over 12 months.
NGO uncovers police misstep
In early 2025, the two actors approached the non‑governmental group Saimai Survive, headquartered in northern Bangkok. The group’s founder, Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, contacted Police Colonel Somchai Theeraphan, commander of Chok Chai Police Station, on 9 January 2025 to inquire about the delay.
After their meeting, Colonel Somchai admitted that a summons for the suspect had been misaddressed. The administrative mistake, confirmed in a written memorandum dated 11 January 2025, prevented officers from interrogating the accused for over a year.
Ekkaphop stated, “THE ERROR LET THE SUSPECT MOVE FREELY AND HUMILIATED THE VICTIMS.” The organization immediately issued a public request on Facebook demanding a new summons within seven days.
Case finally moves forward
On 13 January 2025, the Metropolitan Police Bureau instructed the Chok Chai station to resend the summons and prepare an arrest warrant if the suspect ignored it. A police deputy confirmed that investigation files will be transferred to the Bangkok Criminal Court once the suspect testifies.
“WE WILL NOT WAIT ANOTHER YEAR,” declared Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, mentioning that his NGO would monitor compliance with each procedural step. The actors meanwhile continued working on local television productions in Bangkok and Nonthaburi, pending compensation claims.
Victims demand transparency
Kittiphat Lerk-ukot said during a press briefing on 15 January 2025 that he had submitted all bank transaction screenshots and Line chat histories to investigators. He urged the Ministry of Justice to conduct an audit into why the initial report filed in August 2024 was not processed.
“WE JUST WANT FAIR TREATMENT. EVEN CELEBRITIES CAN BE CHEATED,” added Pratchayakarn Promkling outside the precinct gate after a meeting lasting two hours with officers.
Key facts from the case
– Losses totaling 1.8 million baht recorded by two entertainment figures
– Original complaint filed at Chok Chai Police Station on August 2024
– Summons delivery error acknowledged on 11 January 2025
– NGO Saimai Survive, led by Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, initiated review
– New summons and potential arrest warrant ordered by 13 January 2025
The resumed investigation may determine whether the accused actor faces charges under Thailand’s Criminal Code for fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.