Stoney Monday founder faces trial in Phuket for B80mn fraud

[webfact]

Stoney Monday founder faces trial in Phuket for B80mn fraud
Phuket Gazette


Rell Vivien Hayes, 51, was arrested in Krabi. Photo: Facebook

PHUKET: -- The Australian who formerly ran the Stoney Monday Oasis Hotel in Patong has been arrested in Krabi and brought back to Phuket to face trial for embezzlement and six counts of fraud.

The alleged damages total more than 80 million baht.

Rell Vivien Hayes, 51, was arrested last Friday while allegedly selling property at an upscale resort south of Krabi Town. He arrived under escort at Phuket City Police Station at about 4:30pm the same day.

The arrest follows the Phuket Provincial Court issuing two separate warrants for Mr Hayes’ arrest, in 2009 and in 2011.

The 2009 warrant was issued after American William Lawson Young successfully filed a claim against Mr Hayes for failing to complete a contract to build and hand over a house.

“After that, in 2009, Mr Hayes fled Thailand. We later learned through the Department of Special Investigation [DSI] that he had returned and was living and working in Krabi,” said Weerasak Promthong, the lawyer representing the six plaintiffs against Mr Hayes.

However, it was an 80mn-baht deal to sell land to five Australian investors that led to the second warrant being issued in 2011.

“In 2008, five Australian businessmen transferred 80 million baht to buy land for a resort project in Phuket,” Mr Weerasak said.

The deal was transacted through the Stoney Monday Elite Development Co Ltd, which at the time was owned by Mr Hayes’ wife, with Mr Hayes as a major shareholder, Mr Weerasak alleged.

“He transferred his shares to his Thai wife in 2011,” he explained.

The couple allegedly defaulted on the deal, and failed to transfer ownership of the land to the company as prescribed by the Australian investors as per the agreement, Mr Weerasak said.

“The land was sold to another investor,” he claimed.

Mr Weerasak also alleged that Mr Hayes’ wife, who he declined to name, was reportedly convicted of fraud over the deal.

“The police arrested his wife for defrauding the five Australian creditors. In 2012, the court sentenced her to two years in prison, but she was later released on a good behavior bond,” Mr Weerasak alleged.

Mr Hayes was later handed over to Phuket Prison, where he will stay awaiting his trial.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Stoney-Monday-founder-faces-trial-in-Phuket-for-B80mn-fraud-22890.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2013-11-28

[LivinginKata]

Naughty naughty boy - 80 million baht fraud and the wife only gets 2 years, but released early on good behaviour. I wonder how much time she spent in jail ?

[NamKangMan]

Naughty naughty boy - 80 million baht fraud and the wife only gets 2 years, but released early on good behaviour. I wonder how much time she spent in jail ?

"I wonder how much time she spent in jail ?" - Answer: just long enough for her to organise the money to be released.

Edited November 28, 2013 by NamKangMan

[mijan24]

Naughty naughty boy - 80 million baht fraud and the wife only gets 2 years, but released early on good behaviour. I wonder how much time she spent in jail ?

"I wonder how much time she spent in jail ?" - Answer: just long enough for her to organise the money to be released.

I am sure part of her deal would include location of her loved one. 555 - now he has been duped too.

[mijan24]

What is the betting on his time in The Cook will be dictated by distribution of ill-gotten gains. 555 the BiB and judicial come home to roost.

[stevenl]

How can he re-enter Thailand when there is an arrest warrant out on him?

Why was he not arrested in 2011, when another arrest warrant was issued?

[LivinginKata]

How can he re-enter Thailand when there is an arrest warrant out on him?

Why was he not arrested in 2011, when another arrest warrant was issued?

Depends whether the entry point had a working and up to date computer system. No doubt there are less sophisticated entry points.

[NamKangMan]

How can he re-enter Thailand when there is an arrest warrant out on him?

Why was he not arrested in 2011, when another arrest warrant was issued?

Depends whether the entry point had a working and up to date computer system. No doubt there are less sophisticated entry points.

Which is perfect for the sophisticated criminal, going to a less sophisticated, and highly corrupt country.

Edited November 28, 2013 by NamKangMan

[Tycoon]

Simple never trust a middle aged man with a pirate style gold earring.

First impressions count and its been out of fashion since early 90's that the third charge by the style police.

[bino]

How can he re-enter Thailand when there is an arrest warrant out on him?

Why was he not arrested in 2011, when another arrest warrant was issued?

Depends whether the entry point had a working and up to date computer system. No doubt there are less sophisticated entry points.

I always figured Phuket would be the best place if you wanted to make illegal entry. Arrive on a flight with mixed "CIQ" and domestic passengers. Peel off your sticker and turn right instead of left. Walk out through domestic arrivals area unchecked.

[LivinginKata]

How can he re-enter Thailand when there is an arrest warrant out on him?

Why was he not arrested in 2011, when another arrest warrant was issued?

Depends whether the entry point had a working and up to date computer system. No doubt there are less sophisticated entry points.

I always figured Phuket would be the best place if you wanted to make illegal entry. Arrive on a flight with mixed "CIQ" and domestic passengers. Peel off your sticker and turn right instead of left. Walk out through domestic arrivals area unchecked.

Yes, I have often thought the same.

[gopis108]

When we read about this non-sense in Thailand (get out of jail free card)we feel little regard what happens to this crazy country.May it slide further into hell.who cares,really.they deserve it,we can always move on to Viet nam or otherwise..

[Lupatria]

Simple never trust a middle aged man with a pirate style gold earring.

First impressions count and its been out of fashion since early 90's that the third charge by the style police.

Where did you get your knowledge about gold earrings for men from,- the pirate movies? It was common practice for all men at sea (not restricted to pirates) to wear one golden earring for hundreds of years. The reason for this was simple: if their dead body was washed to the shore the gold was meant to cover the costs of a christian funeral and some extra for the finder. However, maybe he will need it to cover some costs for special treatment when his body is washed to the shores of the “Bangkok Hilton.”

Edited November 29, 2013 by Lupatria

[Greenhill]

Love to know where that 80 mill. is??!! Part of it went to her 'get out of jail' card and the rest....?

[Cleveland]

Simple never trust a middle aged man with a pirate style gold earring.

Especially if in the right ear. I thought that used to mean he liked it up the tradesman's entrance.

[Minnehaha]

What the hell kind of a name is Stoney Monday?

[sabaii69]

put another deed on the barby, mate.

[bitcoinbob]

the thai's and aussie's a match made in heaven for scam artist. guest it is just in the DNA

[tragickingdom]

Anyone familiar with the Thai way of doing business in property knows that it is very common for companies to sell land and houses, take huge deposits and than file for bankruptcy. The next company will take over the property and the circus is starting again. From bangkok to Phuket and from Chiangmai to Pattaya people will notice the billboards offering condo's or houses with a number of a sales office. The billboards are there for ever every three to five year they get replaced by a new billboard with a new project.

The gentleman should have known that this scam is only allowed to be perpetrated by Thai businessmen without links to a foreign party. Having contacts with certain opposition politicians helps.

[Beetlejuice]

Naughty naughty boy - 80 million baht fraud and the wife only gets 2 years, but released early on good behaviour. I wonder how much time she spent in jail ?

"I wonder how much time she spent in jail ?" - Answer: just long enough for her to organise the money to be released.

It is obvious that the Australian`s wife was only a front name and that he was the brains behind these frauds.

My Hayes is just an illegal fraudulent property speculator.

What amazes me is, why would other Australians and other Westerners hand over millions and millions of bahts to this guy for land and property they probably are not allowed to own under Thai law anyway? Again it seems these people were trying to gain land and property footholds in Thailand by using upfront Thai names and I have no sympathy for those who were on the receiving end of Mr Hayes scams.

[pbfisher]

the thai's and aussie's a match made in heaven for scam artist. guest it is just in the DNA

Where are you from Bob?

[phitsanulokjohn]

Yes naughty naughty.Had 80mil away and done an impersonation of a kangaroo.

[Minnehaha]

What the hell kind of a name is Stoney Monday?

Stormy Monday, maybe?

[simple1]

Naughty naughty boy - 80 million baht fraud and the wife only gets 2 years, but released early on good behaviour. I wonder how much time she spent in jail ?

"I wonder how much time she spent in jail ?" - Answer: just long enough for her to organise the money to be released.

It is obvious that the Australian`s wife was only a front name and that he was the brains behind these frauds.

My Hayes is just an illegal fraudulent property speculator.

What amazes me is, why would other Australians and other Westerners hand over millions and millions of bahts to this guy for land and property they probably are not allowed to own under Thai law anyway? Again it seems these people were trying to gain land and property footholds in Thailand by using upfront Thai names and I have no sympathy for those who were on the receiving end of Mr Hayes scams.

Post removed

Edited November 29, 2013 by simple1

[phantomfiddler]

When you are in a foriegn country, BEWARE OF YOUR OWN ! The thais may charge you 50 Bht for a 10 Bht taxi fare, but it will be one of your own who is waiting patiently in the shadows scheming how to get hold of your life savings, every time

[MickGC]

the thai's and aussie's a match made in heaven for scam artist. guest it is just in the DNA

Where are you from Bob?

going by his avatar name I would say he personally knows a thing or two about scamming.

"Bitcoin's association with criminal activities has historically hindered the currency from attaining widespread, mainstream use and has attracted the attention of financial regulators, legislative bodies, and law enforcement" - Wikipidia quote

[Benmart]

How can he re-enter Thailand when there is an arrest warrant out on him?

Why was he not arrested in 2011, when another arrest warrant was issued?

Depends whether the entry point had a working and up to date computer system. No doubt there are less sophisticated entry points.

Which is perfect for the sophisticated criminal, going to a less sophisticated, and highly corrupt country.

Investors that fail to do thorough research, to include background checks, run the risk of completing the criminal + victim = crime equation. I don't know what sort of precautions the investors did in this case, but it certainly serves as a warning to all.

As for the bash, "...going to a less sophisticated and highly corrupt country". Bernie Madhoff comes to mind. No country is immune to criminal conduct, regards of the slant one attempts to put on the story. I will concede that countries which have less sophisticated systems may be more susceptible to crimes such as this, but it's hardly unique based on location alone.

[Benmart]

the thai's and aussie's a match made in heaven for scam artist. guest it is just in the DNA

Where are you from Bob?

going by his avatar name I would say he personally knows a thing or two about scamming.

"Bitcoin's association with criminal activities has historically hindered the currency from attaining widespread, mainstream use and has attracted the attention of financial regulators, legislative bodies, and law enforcement" - Wikipidia quote

You deduced that from a mere avatar name? You are a very unique person.

[Benmart]

Simple never trust a middle aged man with a pirate style gold earring.

First impressions count and its been out of fashion since early 90's that the third charge by the style police.

Perhaps you might consider working for Thai Immigration. With your qualifications, you can expand your horizons to decide who is worthy for entry into the Kingdom based on looks as the criteria.

" Let and Let Live"

[Lokie]

How can he re-enter Thailand when there is an arrest warrant out on him?

Why was he not arrested in 2011, when another arrest warrant was issued?

Depends whether the entry point had a working and up to date computer system. No doubt there are less sophisticated entry points.

I always figured Phuket would be the best place if you wanted to make illegal entry. Arrive on a flight with mixed "CIQ" and domestic passengers. Peel off your sticker and turn right instead of left. Walk out through domestic arrivals area unchecked.

Yes, I have often thought the same.

maybe a slight flaw in this plan; prior to boarding a mixed 'CIQ' and Domestic flight, CIQ passengers have to clear immigration at Swampy first, hence have already been processed by Immigration, at Phuket they turn left merely to pick up hold luggage. International straight into Phuket have to clear immigration at Phuket first. I may be wrong of course...?