Arrest of Key Suspect
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) successfully apprehended 32-year-old Thawin, the final key suspect managing the company accounts of Siam Agel Co. Ltd., which sold the herbal tonic “Tiger Power Liquid.” The arrest was conducted under the supervision of Pol Gen Jirapop Puridech, with Pol Maj-Gen Thatphoom Jaruprat, Pol Col Wijak Tarom, and Pol Col Krit Worathat leading operations. Thawin was arrested under a warrant issued by the South Bangkok Criminal Court and handed over to investigators to face multiple charges, including fraud, fraudulent loan solicitation, and computer-related offenses involving misleading information likely to cause public harm.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
The scheme dates back to 2015 when victims were persuaded to invest in Siam Agel Co. Ltd., marketed as a legitimate company selling a herbal health drink designed to enhance strength. Investors were approached directly, via the Line messaging app, and through word-of-mouth. Promises included monthly returns of 20–40%, or annualized returns of 240–480%, paid every 15–30 days. Additional incentives, such as overseas trips and gold bars, were offered to entice more investment. A dedicated website, www.siamagel.com, was created to reinforce the company’s perceived legitimacy and convince potential investors that the operation was credible.
Initially, some returns were paid to lure further investment and build trust. However, the payments eventually ceased, and the company closed. The perpetrators disappeared, leaving victims with significant financial losses totaling millions of baht. Investigators collected evidence and secured arrest warrants for the ringleaders, leading to the eventual apprehension of the two accomplices before tracking down Thawin himself.
Investigation and Public Warning
Thawin had remained at large for years but was eventually located in Nakhon Phanom province, where he was working as a tractor salesperson. Authorities arrested him on Na Kae–Sakon Nakhon Road in Na Kae district and transferred him to investigators for legal proceedings. The CIB emphasized the importance of public caution against investment schemes promising unusually high short-term returns, noting that scammers often pay initial returns to build trust before ceasing payments and disappearing. Such operations leave victims with substantial financial losses, highlighting the need for vigilance and verification before engaging with investment opportunities.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by fraudulent investment schemes, particularly those targeting individuals through online platforms and social media. Authorities stressed that anyone approached with promises of extremely high returns should report the matter to the proper agencies. By dismantling this scheme, Thai law enforcement has not only apprehended the perpetrators but also sent a strong message to would-be scammers that such fraudulent activities will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.