Thai Influencers' Fake Gold Theft Prompts Outrage in Pattaya

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October 16, 2025Oct 16

Photo via Facebook/ Kong Prachchaya and เจ๊ม้อย v+

Two Thai social media influencers have apologised after staging a fake gold necklace theft on Pattaya Beach to boost online engagement and advertise their gold shop and food supplement products. The influencers, Pratchaya "Kong" Hirunrat, aged 30, and Phet Kamutmart, aged 45, claimed in a video that Kong's necklace had been stolen, stirring distress among their followers.

Kong, known for his prominent gold chain, appeared upset as they recounted the theft. Phet described a scenario where a thief, supposedly about 170 centimetres tall and clad in a black T-shirt with English text, snatched the gold necklace near Central Pattaya Beach. The influencers asked viewers to help locate the nearest police station to report the incident.

The video led to widespread concern among netizens about tourist safety in Pattaya. However, some grew sceptical, suspecting that Kong, who had recently been promoting her gold store and supplements, fabricated the incident for attention. This suspicion was confirmed when Kong released another video showing Phet wearing the allegedly stolen necklace, leading to backlash over the damage to Pattaya's tourism image.

Following the uproar, Phet and Kong appeared at Mueang Pattaya Police Station on October 14, issuing a public apology to both authorities and the public. They confessed that the story was a drunken fabrication meant for entertainment and did not intend harm. As per Siam Chon News, the police are continuing their investigation and have confirmed that legal repercussions will ensue, though specific penalties remain undisclosed.