BANGKOK, THAILAND – A 29-year-old man allegedly tricked more than 400 people with fake job offers for Australia and Canada, causing damages over 65 million baht.
He fled to Laos, took on a new identity, and kept running the scheme there. Police finally nabbed him in Bangkok.
Sought with seven arrest warrants
The suspect posed as a Laotian citizen under the name ‘Siddapaseed Inthawong’ while in Laos. He set up a company called ‘Lao Visa Service’ and again promised jobs in Australia and Canada.
Investigators said seven arrest warrants were out for the man. He returned to Thailand through natural border crossings and was finally arrested on August 6 in the Ratchadaphisek area of Huai Khwang district.
Fake jobs on farms in Australia
In Thailand, the 29-year-old used the company name ‘Nationnal Tour’ to offer jobs on farms and in horticulture in Australia. He promised applicants a monthly salary of 80,000 to 100,000 baht.
Police said he charged each person fees between 45,000 and 54,000 baht. After taking the money, he did not send the victims abroad to work as agreed.
Company had no license
A review by the Office of Private Employment found the company had no permit to send workers abroad. The charges are illegal group labour placement and deception of job seekers.
The crimes are said to have started in 2023. The suspect fled abroad in early 2024 while the case was ongoing. The Criminal Court issued arrest warrant number 264/2567 on April 29, 2024.
Million-baht damage after flight to Laos
Investigators from the Human Trafficking Suppression Division believe the man used the same pattern across several regions. With ‘Lao Visa Service,’ he allegedly tricked over 400 people.
Police said total damages exceed 65 million baht. The promised jobs were in Australia and Canada.
Police caught the suspect in Bangkok
Lieutenant General Natthasak Chaowanasai of the Central Investigation Bureau and Major General Wittaya Sriprasertphap of the Human Trafficking Suppression Division ordered the operation. Police Colonel Korakiat Wutthijamnong led the responsible sub-division 1 with Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekronkarn Nakniyom and Police Major Phassawat Srisukkho.
Officers handed the man over to investigators after the arrest. He denies all allegations; the criminal proceedings continue.