Hong Kong Businessman Reports Thai Scam

A Hong Kong businessman has sought help from Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau after narrowly avoiding losing nearly 200 million baht in an alleged foreign exchange investment scam involving a Thai husband-and-wife couple.

Get today's headlines by email

On 25 May 2026, Mr Daeng Phaothai, from the Thai film industry, accompanied Mr Chan Wai, 55, to meet investigators at the Central Investigation Bureau complaint centre to seek legal advice and provide information about the alleged fraud. Mr Chan Wai claimed the couple persuaded him to invest in a foreign currency exchange business supposedly linked to concession rights at Suvarnabhumi Airport, promising high returns.

Mr Daeng said Mr Chan Wai is a close friend of Hong Kong actor Andy Lau and had travelled to Thailand to work on a film project with action star Tony Jaa. During his stay, Mr Daeng introduced him to a woman identified as “Ms Cartoon” and her husband because they were from southern Thailand and had previously worked together in the film business.

According to the complaint, Ms Cartoon later approached Mr Chan Wai with the investment opportunity, claiming she could secure bidding rights for a currency exchange business at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Believing the proposal was genuine, the businessman prepared to invest almost 200 million baht.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Chan Wai said he escaped financial loss after a close friend warned him the couple were allegedly part of a major scam operation. The friend reportedly claimed to have previously lost more than 20 million baht to the same pair.

Mr Chan Wai said further checks revealed the couple were facing several fraud-related court cases in Thailand and had previously served prison sentences. He immediately suspended all planned financial transactions after learning this information.

He also claimed that when he confronted the husband, the man denied being legally married to Ms Cartoon and denied involvement in any fraud. However, Mr Chan Wai said he later discovered the pair had recently travelled together on honeymoon trips to Japan and several other countries, strengthening his belief they were working together.

Mr Chan Wai said the alleged scammers built credibility through luxury social media profiles featuring photographs with wealthy figures, senior government officials and prominent Thai politicians. He said the experience left him shocked and fearful, prompting him to seek police assistance and pursue legal action.

Thaitabloid reported that the businessman added that he hoped the case would serve as a warning to others and help prevent similar scams from damaging Thailand’s image in the future.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 26 May 2026