South Korean Fraud Suspect Arrested in Bangkok

A 31-year-old South Korean man wanted on fraud charges in his home country has been arrested in Bangkok after allegedly defrauding dozens of victims and causing losses of more than 960 million won.

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The arrest was made on 15 June 2026 following orders from Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chaonasai, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau. Officers from the Special Operations Division and Immigration Bureau detained Mr Youngkeun, a South Korean national, at Phra Khanong Police Station in Bangkok after confirming his identity.

According to investigators, Mr Youngkeun is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by South Korean authorities and an Interpol Red Notice for fraud offences. Authorities allege that he deceived his girlfriend and work colleagues by claiming he needed money to repay investment debts and provide evidence to secure marriage support funds from his family.

Police said one victim transferred 65 million won after believing his claims. Another colleague allegedly transferred 50 million won after Mr Youngkeun claimed he was a victim of rental deposit fraud and needed temporary financial assistance until receiving compensation from an insurance company.

Investigators said that over a period of two months, the suspect allegedly used similar methods to deceive 56 victims through 71 separate transactions. The reported losses totalled 962,800,000 won.

Following the alleged offences, Mr Youngkeun is accused of fleeing South Korea and entering Thailand, where he reportedly hid in a condominium in the Phra Khanong area of Bangkok.

The investigation began after the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand contacted the Centre for Combating Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration. Officers traced the suspect to the condominium and conducted surveillance.

When approached by police, the man allegedly claimed to be another person and was unable to produce documents confirming his identity. Officers escorted him to Phra Khanong Police Station for further checks.

A review of Immigration Bureau records confirmed that the individual was Mr Youngkeun and matched the wanted suspect. Police then formally informed him of the charges and transferred him to investigators for legal proceedings under Thai law.

Thaitabloid reported that authorities are also coordinating with South Korean officials to arrange his return to South Korea, where he will face the outstanding fraud charges.

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 16 June 2026

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