Report Loan Officer Arrested for Embezzling 700,000 Baht, More Victims Emerge

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Photo via One 31

 

In Buriram, a province in Thailand's Isaan region, police have arrested a loan officer named Weerayut for allegedly embezzling nearly 700,000 baht from a client named Phatchara, a 32-year-old barbecue restaurant owner. Following the initial complaint, over ten more victims have reported similar scams.

 

The saga began when Phatchara, who frequently conducted business at her local bank, grew familiar with Weerayut. Capitalising on her trust, Weerayut persuaded her to apply for a loan, under the pretext that he required a client to secure a loan in order to earn a commission. Eager to assist, Phatchara agreed, resulting in 699,945 baht being deposited into her account.

 

Weerayut, under the guise of a formal arrangement, asked Phatchara to transfer the funds to him, assuring her that he would handle the monthly repayments for the first six months. Instead, the money was diverted for his personal use, and no payments were made towards the loan.

 

This deception was unveiled in August of the previous year when a bank officer contacted Phatchara to demand repayment. Realising the ruse, she collected evidence of all transactions and filed an embezzlement complaint against Weerayut in September 2023.

 

Although Weerayut surrendered to police and admitted his wrongdoing, offering to repay the debt, he later fled Buriram. He successfully evaded the victim and law enforcement for approximately five months, hiding in the central province of Phetchabun.

 

Police apprehended him on June 5, bringing him back to Buriram to face legal proceedings. Weerayut's family has once again promised restitution, pleading with Phatchara for additional time to collect the necessary funds.

 

The case gained significant media attention, with coverage by Channel 7 and other news outlets, leading ten additional victims to come forward. These individuals allege they were duped using identical tactics, contributing to a broader understanding of Weerayut’s pattern of fraud. As investigations continue, authorities aim to resolve these cases, seeking justice for all the victims involved.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-06