A scandal disrupted the online shopping world last month when Kornkanok "Mae Tuck" Suwanbut and her husband, Kanpon "Pa Bia" Rueng-aram, allegedly sold fake gold jewellery via social media live streams. The couple claimed the items were "99.99% pure" gold, enticing unwitting customers into purchasing these supposedly premium products.

 

The controversy caught fire after numerous buyers reported their gold jewellery was consistently rejected by established gold shops, which cited the lack of proper hallmarking and suspected the absence of genuine gold content.

 

More than 300 disgruntled customers filed complaints, accusing the couple of public fraud through deceptive advertising practices.

 

Authorities, including the Consumer Protection Police Division led by Pol Maj Gen Witthaya Sriprasertpab, have taken a stern stance. Each fraudulent transaction could lead to a prison sentence of up to five years, stacking up to potentially immense jail terms depending on the case's findings.

Witthaya underscores how the flourishing digital commerce landscape presents ripe opportunities for such scams, emphasising the need for consumers to stick to reputable platforms.

 

As investigations continue, customers have demanded refunds, creating scenes outside the couple's Bangkok gold shop. The couple has offered refunds, contingent on buyers returning their purchases and accompanying gifts, and signing an agreement not to pursue legal action. Despite this, legal repercussions seem unavoidable.

 

The pair faces multiple charges, including public fraud, providing false information, and misleading advertising. Authorities have already seized luxury vehicles from the couple’s assets as the case unfolds, seeking accountability and reinforcing vigilance against online fraud.

 

The scandal serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked online commerce, urging both consumers and authorities to adopt stricter oversight measures, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Picture: courtesy: Tnews

 

-- 2024-10-14

 

 

11 minutes ago, webfact said:

their gold jewellery was consistently rejected by established gold shops, which cited the lack of proper hallmarking and suspected the absence of genuine gold content.

First, of course I believe it´s a scam. However, where is the proof. Have they checked it´s fake gold, or is it only missing proper stamps? Seems like they can never tell a story in full.

He should be jailed just for his haircut.

Get rich scheme just ground to a halt, looks like they won't look so young when they eventually emerge from jail.

Hope they enjoyed the high life while it lasted, the low life is about to start.

Talk about gold sales via internet in Thailand...I would not even trust a regular shop to sell proper bullion in Thailand.

99.99% gold is not used in jewelry.