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