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Runners Baffled as Phantom Run Lacks Organisers, Confusion Over “Run For Destination 2025”


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Posted

UPDATE
‘Phantom Run’ Organiser Taken into Custody


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Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Pandemonium broke out at Suan Luang Rama IX Park on the morning of 25 May, as more than a thousand furious runners gathered to demand refunds for a run event that turned out to be a scam. The so-called running event, which charged participants between 400 and 450 baht each, failed to materialise, leaving only a confused MC at the venue and a crowd of duped runners.

 

The situation escalated when police arrived and escorted a woman believed to be the organiser away from the scene. Viral footage shared by social media page “เจ๊ม้อย v+” captured the moment of her detention, along with the audible outrage from the crowd. At one point, a scream rang out as officers took her into custody and escorted her to Phra Khanong Police Station for questioning.

 

Reports reveal that the woman claimed she had only 1,300 baht remaining in the event’s account, a paltry sum considering over 1,000 participants had registered. A quick calculation by onlookers showed this would amount to barely 1 baht per person, sparking further outrage and disbelief among the crowd.


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One runner commented, “We were sold a dream of a race with prizes, T-shirts, and a great community event. But when we showed up, there was nothing. A start line, no staff, just a confused announcer telling us to start running if we wanted.”

 

The day before the event, the organiser had set up a booth to accept last-minute registrations and sell merchandise, further misleading attendees and boosting confidence that the race was legitimate.

 

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, while disappointed runners are filing complaints in hopes of recovering their registration fees. The police are expected to press fraud-related charges, pending further evidence.

 

 

image.png  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

 

 

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Posted

When corruption is so systemic it becomes normalised, it’s no longer shocking - it’s almost expected - but the publicity of this scam shows a huge degree of hubris - or perhaps is was a last minute 'dash' as the organisers realised they were working at a loss.. No prize money, no remaining face...  they'd blown the budget ?

 

But make not mistake - the 'organisers' will be sitting pretty - with sponsorship from MK and others, plus the entrance fees - they've profited nicely.

 

So endemic is the graft within society that everyone’s queuing up for their shot at the grift, and events like this run are just the latest hustle in a long line of small-time scams that slip through the cracks as the organisers may well take greater profit that any fines they face.

 

Until there's real accountability - actual prison time, asset seizure, public exposure - scams like this will keep happening. Because when everyone thinks corruption is normal, no one bothers to fight it.

 

The organisers will likely get little more than a warning and a shrug from the system, while everyone else is left wondering whether they’re the fools for playing fair.

 

It breeds a quiet distrust of almost everyone, yet somehow this sits alongside a society that remains naively, almost charmingly, positive - and that odd contradiction is exactly why Thailand continues to be such a strangely refreshing place to be.

 

 

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Posted

1000 participants at 450 baht?  It probably cost that much just to rent and set up the arches and the tents.

 

I suspect incompetence more than anything.  Perhaps well meaning, but didn't do the math before hand?

 

Hopefully, we'll get some follow-up reports, but I suspect it'll all be forgotten before the next news cycle.

 

Posted

Corruption leaves no stone un-turned in Thailand....Government from top to bottom,Police,the Army,movie stars, beauty queens, immigration, contractors, average joes etc etc  just about anyone in a position of power has had and continues to have their finger in the corruption pie in Thailand.

Posted

UPDATE
Run For Destination 2025: Sign Company Blames Organisers for Errors, Organisers Point Finger Back

 

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Picture courtesy of Amarin.


The company responsible for producing the event’s signage has publicly revealed that it had warned the organisers about errors in the artwork, including incorrect dates, logos, and banner sizes, before printing. Despite these objections, the organisers insisted on proceeding with the flawed design.

 

The sign company explained on social media that it received the final files late on 21 May and although they promptly flagged the mistakes, the organisers authorised printing anyway due to time constraints. The company also confirmed it delivered the signs on the morning of the event but was not responsible for installation, which was left to the organisers’ own staff.

 

In a phone call to the sign company on race day, the organisers reportedly blamed the signage errors for the lack of participants showing up, claiming the incorrect date discouraged runners. The sign company expressed frustration over being held responsible for the event’s failure, emphasising they had no intent to mislead and had followed the client’s instructions.

 

Meanwhile, event staff involved in the event had arrived on the morning and even set up drink stations, as they had not been told of any problems. Most of whom were unpaid and connected through tutoring networks, expressed concern about potential legal repercussions following the sudden cancellation and poor organisation.

 

In a related statement released by MK Restaurant Group, a sponsor of the event, firmly denied any involvement in the race’s organisation or its cancellation. MK emphasised it had provided only financial support and condemned the last-minute failure that caused harm to runners and stakeholders. The company is reportedly preparing legal action against the event organisers.

 

The “Run For Destination 2025” debacle has left many runners disappointed and sparked calls for greater accountability in event management and sponsorship transparency. Police are investigating complaints filed by participants who feel misled and let down and legal action may follow.

 

 

image.png  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-27.

 

 

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