Bold plan of a supposed helper
At around 3:30pm on 18 September, police in Chachoengsao received a tense call from the Krungthai Bank in the Provincial Hall. Staff reported a suspicious duo: 57-year-old Tor from Sisaket was assisting 71-year-old Samak from Tha Takiap with large cash withdrawals.
Earlier, the pair had visited the Tha Takiap branch to request a new bankbook, claiming the old one was lost. Using the new book, they withdrew a total of 1 million Baht: 300,000 Baht at a branch in a shopping mall, followed by 700,000 Baht at the city centre branch.
Bank staff raise alarm
Employees grew immediately suspicious of the unusual withdrawal pattern and the dynamic between the two men. They alerted the police and coordinated with other branches. When staff later pursued the pair outside, Samak was left alone and confused while Tor rushed to a waiting car with the cash.
Police Lieutenant Ekkapop Sakulsayamphu and his team reacted swiftly, stopping the vehicle and securing the money: 300,000 Baht in envelopes and 700,000 Baht in notes. Multiple mobile phones were found, including Samak’s, along with a note listing several names and account numbers, each marked: “Transfer 990,000 Baht.”
Confused retiree and false helper
During questioning, Samak claimed he was withdrawing money for his grandson and later admitted he had just met Tor – he was not a relative. Tor, in turn, insisted he was simply being helpful. At 4:30pm, Samak’s son-in-law Sapphawi (51) arrived at the station, revealing the cash was inheritance from Samak’s late wife. “My father-in-law was lured away under false pretences,” he said.
Suspected large-scale fraud
Investigators suspect a wider scam ring. The note with account details and transfer amounts suggests a systematic scheme, possibly targeting other elderly victims next.
This case highlights the life-saving importance of alert bank staff. Thanks to their vigilance and quick coordination between branches, the scam was stopped. For 71-year-old Samak, the outcome was fortunate: his million Baht remains safe. However, many seniors across Thailand remain vulnerable to similar frauds. Police advise: “Always take a trusted family member to bank appointments!”