Famed Entrepreneurs 'Mae Tak' and 'Pa Beer' Arrested Amidst Gold Scandal

[Georgealbert]

 

 

The widely debated case on Thailand media, involving prominent business figures, "Mae Tak" and "Pa Beer," took a significant turn as both were arrested following an ongoing investigation into their gold-selling business.

 

The controversy surrounding their business escalated after numerous customers sought to return gold they had purchased. This led to Mae Tak and Pa Beer appearing on Channel 3’s "Hon Krasae" program to address the situation publicly. The case soon drew the attention of various authorities, including the Revenue Department, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD).

 

 

On September 30, officers from the CPPD arrested Ms. Kornkanok Suwannabutr (Mae Tak) and Mr. Kanpon Ruangarom (Pa Beer). Eyewitnesses reported that Mae Tak appeared visibly pale and stressed, while Pa Beer remained calm, dressed in a white shirt.

 

The arrest unfolded quietly, with Pa Beer walking ahead of Mae Tak as they entered the police vehicle. Both refrained from answering any questions posed by reporters.

 

Both are facing charges of fraud under the Computer Crime Act and the Consumer Protection Act, and both have denied all accusations. The police have opposed their bail, citing the significant impact on the public and the large number of victims involved in the case. Their detention hearing is scheduled for tomorrow.

 

At 14:00 during a press briefing at the Consumer Protection Division headquarters, Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasert, head of the CCPD confirmed that both Mae Tak and Pa Beer had denied the charges during questioning. Authorities are still investigating whether the case includes money laundering, asset concealment, or luxury car transfers. "We have detailed information on their movements and are continuing our surveillance and investigation," Wittaya stated.

 

The police plan to submit the case for the suspects’ detention tomorrow, with a strong recommendation to deny bail due to the widespread public harm caused by the alleged crimes. "This case affects a large portion of the population. Even though some victims have yet to come forward, it is clear that the crimes have had a broad public impact," Wittaya emphasised.

 

While substantial evidence, including documents, has been collected, police declined to disclose further details due to the ongoing investigation. Wittaya confirmed that the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has been notified, as the fraud charges are linked to the potential money laundering case. AMLO will now investigate the assets and funds gained from the alleged crimes.

 

Officers from the CPPD also conducted an inspection of the gold shop in the Hathairat area. The inspection lasted over three hours, during which officers collected documents, customer-related gold, and various materials as part of an ongoing investigation. Despite the probe, no funds or gold were seized, and the shop remains open for business as usual.

 

Police Lieutenant Colonel Pairat Promwong, Deputy Superintendent of Division 1, revealed that the officers gathered all relevant evidence related to the case, including gold and documentation, which will be further examined. "At this stage, no assets or gold have been frozen. The collected gold is linked to the investigation and will be used to support the ongoing case," said Pairat.

 

Police Colonel Yingyos Chaladpru, Superintendent of Nimmitmai Police Station, further clarified that the gold taken for examination was limited to items that customers had returned for resale. "Gold from other parts of the store was not confiscated. After speaking with the shop's manager, we can confirm that the store remains operational, and customers can continue to sell their gold as usual," he stated.

 

Further investigations are underway, and police will continue to coordinate with AMLO to trace and seize any assets connected to the wrongdoing.

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

-- 2024-09-30

 

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

I wonder what they've been up to?

[ronster]

37 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I wonder what they've been up to?

As far as I'm aware they were advertising gold for sale at a very cheap price but saying it was 100% genuine when obviously it wasn't due to the price . But buyers obviously thought it must be real and didn't question why it was so cheap and bought loads of it .

Now having checked out their purchases they have found out they were conned .

[roo860]

The video link is quite civilised, just watching on the Thai news the cluster f with reporters in the police station 🫣, absolute chaos, pushing, shoving, they even reported what time she went to the toilet at the police station.🤣

[RandolphGB]

Looks like a lot of the proceeds of her scam were wasted on plastic surgery.

[ronster]

1 hour ago, RandolphGB said:

Looks like a lot of the proceeds of her scam were wasted on plastic surgery.

One got a very nice Porsche Cayenne out of it from the clip I seen of her getting arrested at home  😀

[J Branche]

Yeah can't tell what sports car is under the car cover at the :04  mark. Nice, new house, fancy clothes, watch, etc,

 

If it was possible everyone would be buying gold cheaply and reselling it for huge profits.

 

I'm sure it was all just a misunderstanding and they are sorry.

[chuang]

[AndreasHG]

5 hours ago, hotchilli said:

I wonder what they've been up to?

 

An article published by the Bangkok Post on this topic: Bangkok Post - Couple arrested in Bangkok for selling impure gold amulets

 

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, AndreasHG said:

 

An article published by the Bangkok Post on this topic: Bangkok Post - Couple arrested in Bangkok for selling impure gold amulets

 

Okay... selling fake gold.