Police have arrested two men in Mae Sot, Tak province, over an alleged large-scale job recruitment scam that defrauded more than 100 victims of over 20 million baht. The suspects, both aged 23, were detained under arrest warrants issued by the Criminal Court on 27 April 2026.

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Authorities said the pair were apprehended at a rented room in Mae Sot following an investigation by the Central Investigation Bureau’s Anti-Human Trafficking Division. The operation was ordered by senior police officials after multiple complaints were filed by victims nationwide.

The case centres on an online recruitment scheme advertised through a Facebook page promoting overseas work opportunities. The group allegedly offered Thai workers farm jobs in New Zealand and Australia with monthly salaries of 90,000 to 100,000 baht and free accommodation. Applicants were instructed to apply through a company based in Khlong Kluea, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi.

Victims were reportedly required to pay a series of upfront fees, including 80,000 baht for contracts, 40,000 baht for insurance, 9,750 baht for visa processing, and 33,000 baht for currency exchange, totalling 162,750 baht per person. Some victims are said to have sold vehicles, mortgaged land or taken out loans to meet the payments.

Police said that once payments were made, victims were given training appointments in Bangkok or nearby provinces, but later lost contact with the organisers. More than 100 people, including both Thai and foreign nationals, are believed to have been affected, with total losses exceeding 20 million baht.

Investigators have filed multiple charges against the suspects, including public fraud, deceptive recruitment advertising, illegal job placement operations, and importing false information into computer systems. The suspects denied involvement in the alleged scam during questioning, claiming they were only responsible for handling application documents and providing basic information to applicants.

The Daily News reported thot they have been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings, while police continue to expand the investigation to identify and arrest additional suspects believed to be part of the network.

Pictures courtesy of Thai police

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 1 May 2026

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Two 23 yr olds isn't a REAL gang, like we used to 'av !

A pretty heartless scam perpertrated by this pair of young criminals. The police should release them into the care of their victims!

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There is a subculture of pond scum that are disguised as human beings, and they will do everything in their power to avoid working and making an honest living, and instead they are the vampires of society sucking the blood of good, hard-working people who are susceptible, naive and vulnerable.

We must exercise great caution and do everything in our power to avoid becoming prey to these street garbage creeps.

Most don't understand the lack of work and money some Thai's face.

When you have debt, little options to earn a living wage and people counting on you to provide you become desperate. When you are desperate your psychology changes and you think and will do things you wouldn't do otherwise.

The most common "Scam" is 45,000 to 55,000 baht a month, you pay agent fee, travel fees, etc. Reality, job is long hours after factoring in all the expenses and fees and the fact the job usually only pays about 25,000 to 30,000 baht the person is making same amount as if they stayed in Thailand.

For Some you can Not convince them it is a Scam. The person is willing to take the risk that they can actually earn 45,000 to 55,000 baht and will Not listen you common sense and reasoning.

Not to mention they usually take you passport when you arrive as leverage for you to pay back the debt.

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