BANGKOK, THAILAND – Two Chinese investors asked Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation to probe an alleged organized fraud over a strawberry farm project worth more than 20 million baht.
Complaint Filed with Special Investigation Agency
The complaint was lodged at the headquarters of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok, according to those involved. Lawyer Kritsada Intamara appeared with the investors, identified as Chun, 36, and Laila, 60, and requested that the matter be treated as a special case. They based the request on allegations of organized fraud involving influential figures and the deliberate misuse of legal procedures.
Strawberry Farm Project in Coastal Province
According to the filing, the project began in 2024, when a Thai businessman referred to in documents as “Mr T” allegedly convinced the investors to join a strawberry farm venture in a coastal province. He was said to have claimed ownership of more than 100 rai of land and to have political backing for the project. The Chinese financiers stated they brought agricultural technology from Singapore and invested a total of more than 20 million baht.
Majority Control Assigned to Thai Partner
Despite their substantial capital, Chun and Laila were reportedly forced to register the company in a way that gave “Mr T” 51 percent of the shares. This left majority and financial control in the hands of the Thai partner. The investors no longer had decisive control over cash flows or assets linked to the project.
Operations Halted After Land Dispute Case
In 2025, when the strawberry farm was already generating yields according to the group, the situation allegedly changed abruptly. “Mr T” was accused in the complaint of colluding with the landowner to stage a lawsuit over trespassing. Through a court-mediated settlement, the farm’s operations were halted, the investors said they were forced off the site, and that machinery and proprietary technology were retained.
Lawyer Warns of Wider Economic Impact
Kritsada described the events as organized economic crime that went far beyond a civil dispute. He highlighted potential damage to Thailand’s reputation among foreign investors and to the confidence of international financiers, as well as the exploitation of legal loopholes to turn court proceedings into a tool of fraud and signs of possible money laundering through systematic asset transfers and concealment.
“The case represents a serious danger to the economy,”
said Kritsada Intamara, lawyer. He added that the DSI needed to dismantle the alleged network and restore investor confidence.
DSI Reviewing Request for Special Case Status
Somkiat Phetpradap, director of complaint consideration at the DSI, formally accepted the petition.
“I will forward the documents to higher decision-makers within the agency,”
said Somkiat Phetpradap, director of complaint consideration at the DSI. A decision on whether the matter would be designated as a special case had not yet been made.