NONTHABURI, THAILAND – Dozens of Thai and foreign buyers alleged they were defrauded of more than 100 million baht in a failed Phuket pool villa project that never reached completion.
Victims travelled to seek justice
A group of distressed buyers travelled on 1 December from Phuket to Nonthaburi to seek help from the Foundation for the Restoration of Justice. They had already filed complaints with Thalang Police Station, but the investigation had not moved forward and the suspect had reportedly cut off contact.
Developer denied wrongdoing and claimed land ownership
The alleged fraudster, identified as Chaiwat, denied any responsibility and broke off communications with the buyers. He had presented himself as the owner of the companies Alicha Grand and Alisha Property and claimed to own the land on which the luxury pool villas were to be built.
Buyers left with unfinished homes and heavy losses
Among the victims was a Thai woman, Sariya, and her Canadian husband, who paid a deposit of 3.3 million baht for a 15‑million‑baht villa where they planned to live with their unborn child. An 84‑year‑old woman, Phuangphen, paid more than 20 million baht in cash for a house she intended to share with her daughter after returning from the United States, but construction was not even half finished.
“We trusted the project. Now we have nothing.”
said Thongchai, another buyer who lost 15 million baht.
Alleged political link raises concerns
A key revelation in the case was that the land on which the villas were to be built allegedly belonged to an influential local politician from a major party. Victims feared this political influence was blocking the investigation or sweeping the case under the rug.
“There is simply no progress.”
said one of the affected buyers, expressing frustration over the stalled case.
Lawyer plans complaints to government and CIB
The buyers’ lawyer, Ronnarong Kaewphet, described the situation as a clear case of fraud. He said he planned to file complaints with the government or the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to push the case forward.
Glamorous marketing, shattered dreams
To build trust, the project had used elaborate advertising campaigns featuring foreign models, whose professionalism convinced many unsuspecting buyers. Those buyers were now facing a financial ruin and rows of half‑finished building shells, with their dream of owning a home in Thailand in tatters.
Foundation weighs legal steps amid growing scandal
The Foundation for the Restoration of Justice was examining possible legal steps to bypass political pressure and secure justice for those who said they were deceived. Observers warned that the scandal could widen further as questions persisted over who was being protected and how far any alleged network of influence might reach.