Sure, this never happened? https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023646
Been here longer than 27 years btw and work with Thai people who do ask questions.
Don't buy a house when you are not here. Bought land and house multiple times and never needed a lawyer. You do need someone with a brain and Thai languages skills.
I lived in Phuket (one of the places you mentioned earlier) and started to come to Thailand 40 years ago. I work here and know for sure that people DO open Thai companies a lot to get land. The renewal clauses for the next "2x30 years" are illegal and void, but a lot of people signed a contract while thinking they were legal. Good luck with your 30 years upfront payment, you will need loads of it.
Never charged? Here is an example where he was charged and paid millions to avoid trail: Judge finalizes $25 million settlement for 'victims of Donald Trump's fraudulent university' - ABC News (go.com)
Your defense of the conman is laughable.