A 56-year-old woman has been arrested in Udon Thani after allegedly deceiving more than 20 Thai workers with false promises of fruit-picking jobs in Sweden. Police said the suspect collected nearly 500,000 baht in deposits before disappearing for several years.
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The arrest took place on 28 May after officers from the Highway Police Division tracked down the suspect, identified only as Suphanan, at a hut in Dong Sa Phang village, Kut Sa subdistrict, Mueang district, Udon Thani. She was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by Bueng Kan Provincial Court on 9 February 2022 for allegedly conspiring to fraudulently recruit workers for overseas employment and public fraud.
According to investigators, the case dates back to 2022 when a group of victims, most of them from Si Wilai district in Bueng Kan province, were approached with offers of high-paying fruit-picking work in Sweden. The suspect allegedly charged each victim over 25,000 baht in brokerage and deposit fees in exchange for arranging travel and employment overseas.
Police said the victims lost contact with the suspect shortly before the scheduled departure dates. More than 20 people were reportedly affected, with total damages estimated at over 500,000 baht. The victims later filed complaints with Si Wilai Police Station, leading authorities to seek an arrest warrant.
Investigators believe the suspect had carried out similar schemes on multiple occasions. Police also said she deliberately moved house several times after learning that a warrant had been issued for her arrest.
Following the warrant, the suspect allegedly fled to southern Thailand to avoid capture. Officers later received information that she had returned to Udon Thani, leading to her arrest.
During questioning, Suphanan reportedly confessed to the charges. She was subsequently transferred to Bueng Kan Provincial Court for further legal proceedings.
Thaitabloid reported that authorities have not disclosed whether additional suspects may be involved or whether more victims could come forward as the investigation continues.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 30 May 2026
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