File photo for reference only

 

A troubling financial entanglement has surfaced in Chiang Mai province, where Chandi, a 57-year-old illiterate hill tribe woman, alleges she was duped into signing a bank loan document, resulting in a debt near 300,000 baht (approximately £6,800). The incident, originating in 2009, involved Chandi signing for a minor loan of 5,000 baht (£115), yet never receiving the funds nor withdrawing 150,000 baht (£3,400), as per her bank's claim.

 

Samoeng's newly appointed district chief, Siripong Nampha, alongside local officials, visited Chandi and her equally illiterate husband, Jorpo, to unravel this financial puzzle. They have enlisted the aid of Dee (not his real name), the head of the loan group, and a bank representative to probe into the matter further.

 

Dee oversees several loan groups, including Chandi’s, where members supposedly signed mutual guarantees for loans. A discrepancy arose as Chandi’s signature was missing on pivotal documents, raising suspicion of a deeper scam involving automatic fund transfers and withdrawals without her knowledge.

 

 

The bank insists on strict identity verification processes, yet Siripong’s intervention is crucial due to missing records, including the loan agreement and withdrawal statements. The district chief has mandated a comprehensive meeting with involved parties and requested complete financial documentation to ensure justice is served.

 

In the meantime, Chandi’s refusal to acknowledge the debt persists, particularly after failed negotiations with bank officials, compounding her mistrust. The investigation's outcome hinges on the bank’s cooperation to furnish necessary records to the Dhamrongtham Centre — pivotal to resolving whether any legal redress is warranted.

 

-- 2025-01-16

 

 

She would have needed proof of income sufficient to repay the loan, so I don't see how her application for 5kbht could be changed to 300kbht.