Phuket scam artist tests the waterworks

PHUKET: -- The head of the Phuket Provincial Waterworks (PPW) office is warning people to check the credentials of officers who offer to install water meters at their homes, saying the home owners might be overcharged.

Pisak Chonlayut, who heads the Provincial Waterworks Authority office in Phuket, said a former employee of the Phuket City Waterworks had been posing as a legitimate employer of his agency and charging people inflated prices for installing meters.

He identified the man as 44-year-old Thavorn Rattanachai.

“A warrant for his arrest was issued over a month ago. He is wanted for theft of government property and fraud,” he said.

In other cases, Mr Thavorn also tampered with meters so that clients paid less than the standard rates, he alleged.

Customers who knowingly conspired with Mr Thavorn to steal from the state will also face fines, he warned.

Most of the people who fell victim to the scam were residents of Koh Sireh, he added.

“People who are approached and asked if they want water meters installed should contact us immediately,” he added.

Complaints can be reported at the Provincial Waterworks Authority (Phuket Branch), located at the Phuket Country Golf Club. Tel: 076-319173.

-- Phuket Gazette 2011-01-28

Uhhh...he didn't scam the customers, he probably told them they could pay extra to him and get lower prices due to his rigging of the meters...he did however facilitate the customers to scam the PPW...