Dowry Rental Business Owner Defrauded of 5 Million Baht in Investment Scam

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

A 30-year-old businesswoman who runs a dowry rental service has filed a police complaint after being allegedly defrauded of 5 million baht in a scam involving a fake investment pitch to a so-called “capital investor.” The suspect reportedly paid a rental fee of 200,000 baht but then used the full sum to repay personal debts rather than for its stated purpose.

Ms. Teerayada, the complainant, lodged the case at Sriracha Police Station, accusing 35-year-old Ms. Porntip of embezzlement after she allegedly misused funds intended for an investment demonstration. The incident has sparked public attention due to its unusual nature and the involvement of a dowry-related financial service.

According to investigators, on 12 July, Ms. Porntip approached Ms. Teerayada’s business with a request to “rent” 5 million baht, claiming it was to present to a potential investor as proof of liquidity in order to secure a major business partnership. The agreement was finalised with a scheduled money handover on 16 July and the suspect paid a rental fee of 205,000 baht upfront.

However, after receiving the 5 million baht, Ms. Porntip reportedly diverted the entire sum to repay a debt owed to a man named Mr. Amphol, an agent claiming to represent another individual, Mr. Pratipol, allegedly the investor in question. The transaction took place inside Sriracha Police Station, with the suspect asserting that a senior police officer witnessed the handover.

Mr. Phattharawatseth, the victim’s partner and co-owner of the dowry rental business, expressed frustration and suspicion over the suspect’s behaviour. “She returned from the police station without the money and simply said the investor had taken it. That’s when we realised we’d been scammed.”

In her defence, Ms. Porntip gave inconsistent statements during questioning, at one point claiming she was also deceived and had no intention of committing fraud. However, police determined that there were grounds to detain her on charges of embezzlement. Authorities are currently seeking to clarify the role, if any, of the so-called investor and the police officer allegedly present during the incident.

The investigation is ongoing, with police gathering further evidence and questioning all parties involved. Legal proceedings will follow once the facts are fully established.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-07-18