Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Seven suspects linked to a call centre scam network, known as “Afu” have been arrested following coordinated raids across four provinces, police announced on 21 September 2025. Officers searched eight locations in Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Maha Sarakham and Rayong, seizing cash, bank books, electronic devices and mobile phones. The arrests follow a wider investigation into a large-scale fraud and money laundering operation that caused losses of over 10 million baht.

 

The operation was led by Pol Lt Gen Kittisak Durongkiboon, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 6, together with senior officers including Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Pol Maj Gen Nattawut Phakphum, Pol Maj Gen Wasan Techaakkarasem, Pol Maj Gen Thanantorn Rattanasitthipak and Pol Maj Gen Detphol Premsiri. Arrest teams were commanded by Pol Col Taweesak Thabunchu and Pol Col Suppanat Satakoorama.

 

The case began between 10 and 20 August 2025, when officers in Region 6 investigated call centre scams in Phichit province that caused losses of 2.2 million baht. Police arrested Mr. Thanaphon “Afu” Chivinwongpathom and six others, who were accused of running mule accounts, withdrawing money and laundering funds across Bangkok, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Evidence seized included more than 400,000 baht in cash, cars, mobile phones, bank books and ATM cards.

 

Further investigation linked Afu and another suspect, Mr. Chumphonpat “Od” Chueaniltrakun, to a larger network of money laundering. Police identified at least four additional victims who collectively lost more than 10 million baht. Following this, Region 6 investigators filed complaints at Lat Phrao Police Station, leading the court to issue seven arrest warrants for money laundering offences.

 

On 20 September 2025, combined police teams executed the warrants and arrested all seven suspects. They were named as Mr. Phongsiva Phikhanesmanie, 51, from Udon Thani; Ms. Pornsuda Ngokphilay, 34, from Nakhon Ratchasima; Mr. Phaisit Leeraksakiat, 70, from Rayong; Mr. Chatrachai Bualad, 33, from Maha Sarakham; Mr. Chumphonpat “Od” Chueaniltrakun, 51, from Bangkok; Mr. Dontri Meethao, 25, from Uthai Thani; and Mr. Nuntakan Sae-Jang, 37, from Chiang Rai. Seized items included multiple mobile phones, bank account books, laptops, tablets, bank statements and 400,000 baht in cash.

 

The suspects were taken to Lat Phrao Police Station for legal proceedings. Police said they are continuing to examine financial records to identify further victims and to trace additional assets linked to the fraud. Authorities stated that the case highlights the integration of cybercrime enforcement across multiple regions and police divisions.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Seven suspects linked to the “Afu” call centre scam were arrested in coordinated raids across four provinces.

• The group is accused of laundering money from call centre frauds causing losses of more than 10 million baht.

• Police seized cash, bank books and devices and are pursuing further financial investigations.

 

Related stories:

 

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Thai-woman-caught-at-bank-in-Malaysian-call-scam

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-09-22

 

 

 

 

Must have been a good business. Toshiba stopped making laptops  5 years ago.