Fraudster Posing as State Project Boss Dupes Victim

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

Bangkok police have arrested a 57-year-old man accused of orchestrating a sophisticated scam involving fake state projects, swindling a victim out of more than 7.8 million baht.

The suspect, identified only as Mr Nhoi, was detained in Nakhon Pathom on 16 August under a Criminal Court warrant on charges of fraud, forgery, use of forged documents, computer crime and money laundering.

According to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the man posed as an official connected to government initiatives, claiming links to the Prem Tinsulanonda Foundation, named after the late former prime minister and statesman. Investigators say he promised lucrative contracts for infrastructure and community schemes, including a rural road-building project, a water tank distribution drive and the state-run Village Fund programme.

Although the Village Fund exists, police stressed that the suspect had no involvement with it. To bolster his credibility, he allegedly produced fake government papers and circulated photographs of himself with prominent officials.

The victim, believing the ruse, transferred money to him 89 times over a two-year period, amounting to 7,836,000 baht.

Police revealed that the funds were laundered through extravagant purchases, including three cars, a backhoe and several head of cattle. Officers also seized forged documents, mobile phones and bank books during the arrest.

Colonel Phongsakorn Tanaree of the Crime Suppression Division said the case involved a single victim but spanned years due to the suspect’s ability to create new fictitious projects and maintain the deception.

Authorities are now tracing the money trail to determine whether relatives or associates also benefitted. Given the scale of the fraud, police said they would oppose bail, citing the risk of flight.

Officers confirmed that the respected Prem Tinsulanonda Foundation had no connection whatsoever with the scam, which relied purely on false claims.

The suspect has denied all charges and remains in custody while police widen their investigation.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-08-20