PHUKET, THAILAND – Police dismantled an alleged fraud ring that posed as officers and pressured business owners into bank transfers.
Complaints from Chalong business owners
Investigations by the Chalong Police Station began after three business operators came forward. They reported that a man had called them from a Thai phone number, claiming to be a police officer. Under the pretext of supposed fines and official measures, the caller demanded money transfers to an account at TMBThanachart Bank, registered in the name of Mr. Pongpat (alias).
Key suspect arrested on Koh Samui
Officers later clarified that the account holder had no connection to any law enforcement agency and described the scheme as an organized fraud operation using fear and authority. On 23 December 2025, investigators executed arrest warrants from the Phuket Provincial Court against Pongpat for three counts of fraud by impersonating an official. The suspect was arrested on Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, where police also seized his bank book, which was believed to have been used to collect and pass on the unlawful transfers.
Prison acquaintance alleged to have directed scheme
Further investigation found that Pongpat had met Mr. Suchart (alias), also known as “Baw”, at Samui Prison in early 2025. After their release in September 2025, Suchart allegedly re‑established contact and instructed Pongpat to use his account for fraudulent transactions. Once money arrived, it had to be forwarded to a second account at the Government Savings Bank, registered to Ms. Supatra (alias).
Dozens of transfers and hundreds of thousands in losses
Between September and November 2025, about 80 transactions were allegedly carried out through this system, with total damage estimated at around 900,000 baht. According to police, Pongpat admitted receiving commissions of between 100 and 2,000 baht for each transfer. Based on the evidence, investigators requested additional arrest warrants for Supatra and Suchart on charges of joint fraud by impersonating an official.
Further arrests in Nong Bua Lamphu
On 18 January 2026, officers located and arrested Supatra and Suchart in Nong Bua Lamphu province. The suspects were transferred to Phuket, where they now faced criminal proceedings. All three were confronted with multiple charges of fraud and impersonation of officials.
Authorities issue warning on fake officers
According to the authorities, pretending to belong to the police was a serious offense that undermined public trust and was strictly punished under Thai law. The police urged the public not to make transfers when callers cited alleged penalties under pressure, to always verify the identity of supposed officials directly with the local station, and to report suspicious calls immediately.
“If in doubt, the nearest police station should always be contacted first.”
said a police spokesperson.