On Tuesday, June 18th, three Thai individuals engaged in an illicit money lending operation were arrested in Pattaya by the Region 2 Police. The arrest was made in a house at Ratanakorn Village 11, on Soi Takian Tia 7, in the Banglamung district, Chonburi province, following a tip from local individuals.

 

When the police landed at the location, they found a large Thai family occupying the house. Prior to investigating the house, the officers displayed a search warrant to the household. The search led to the discovery of substantial proof of unlicensed money lending activities, such as loan records, five cell phones, a Honda Wave 125i motorcycle, a Honda Jazz automobile, two customer account books, and a handmade gun.

 

The arrested suspects included Mr. Sitthichai Tonniem, 40, who is suspected to be the mastermind and the owner of the illegal firearm, Mr. Ekkarin Sukchant, 22, and Mr. Aphirak Thongrarerng, 19, both working as debt collectors. They were charged with illegal possession of a gun and rounds, running an unlicensed lending operation, and charging excessive interest rates.

 

Mr. Sitthichai reportedly operated the loan enterprise via a Facebook page named “Uncle Tiger Capital,” charging over 20% interest every 24 days, which is illegal under Thai law. All three suspects confessed to their misdeeds.

 

The police have stated that this crackdown is part of the Region 2 Police's continuous battle against illegal money lenders wreaking havoc among residents in Chonburi province.

 

The trio were transported to Banglamung Police Station to face legal consequences.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-06-21

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

I've got déjà vu.

20% per day...wow