Two Arrested Withdrawing Mule Account Cash at Bangkok ATM

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

Police arrested a man and a woman while they were withdrawing large sums of cash from multiple bank cards at an ATM in Bangkok, seizing 680,000 baht believed to be linked to mule accounts. The arrests were made on 21 January 2026 at a petrol station on Theppharak Road (outbound) in Tha Raeng, Bang Khen district, prompting an expanded investigation into possible links to scam networks or online gambling operations.

The suspects were identified as Ms Janjira Koonya, aged 34 and Mr Wuttikrai Nilkaset, aged 30, who were detained at the scene with 680,000 baht in cash, 15 ATM cards and three mobile phones. Officers from Bang Khen Police Station observed the pair behaving suspiciously while making repeated withdrawals over an unusually long period, leading to an on-the-spot inspection and subsequent arrest.

The operation was led by Pol Col Anan Worasa, superintendent of Bang Khen Police Station, together with senior officers including Pol Lt Col Kanin Khamkhuen, Pol Lt Col Pornchai Wongprasertkarn, Pol Lt Col Adun Photakan and Pol Lt Col Yuranan Phetmanee, supported by investigation units from Metropolitan Police Division 2. All seized items were taken as evidence for further examination.

According to police questioning, both suspects stated that they had been hired to withdraw cash and deliver it to a “senior figure” based in the Watcharaphon area of Bangkok. They told investigators they did not know the individual’s real name and claimed they were paid a monthly wage of 20,000 baht, adding that they had been carrying out the task for more than two months.

Police said initial checks showed that none of the 15 ATM cards belonged to either suspect, reinforcing suspicions that the accounts were being used as mule accounts. Investigators believe the funds may be connected to scam gangs or online gambling websites, which commonly use third parties to move illicit money and avoid detection.

Authorities stated that cases involving mule accounts remain a significant concern, as they enable large-scale financial fraud and money laundering. The arrests form part of wider enforcement efforts targeting networks that recruit individuals to open or operate bank accounts for illegal purposes.

Amarin reported that investigators are now questioning the suspects in greater detail to identify organisers, financial routes and any additional accomplices. Both individuals, along with the seized cash and equipment, have been handed over to investigators at Bang Khen Police Station for formal legal proceedings, while police continue to expand the case.

Key Takeaways

• Two suspects were arrested on 21 January 2026 while withdrawing 680,000 baht using 15 ATM cards not in their names.

• Police believe the cash is linked to mule accounts connected to scams or online gambling operations.

• Investigators are expanding the case to identify organisers and financial networks behind the withdrawals.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-01-23