Police Region 6 investigators have arrested two of three suspects accused of posing as bank staff and police officers to extort more than 15.68 million baht from a victim in Phitsanulok. The suspects held under warrants issued by Phitsanulok Provincial Court are Chinese national Yu Kang, 29, and a 22-year-old Thai woman, Paphatsara. A third suspect remains at large. The operation was announced on July 18 following orders from Police Region 6 commissioner Lt Gen Kittisak Durongkaviboon, his deputies Maj Gen Amornsak Kasemsiri and Maj Gen Nattawut Phakphum, and Maj Gen Dechphon Premsiri, chief of the region's investigation division. Crypto and bank accounts allegedly used Police said Yu was a senior figure in the operation, receiving instructions through Telegram, managing USDT digital currency and controlling main accounts. Paphatsara is accused of using a Binance account to exchange digital currency into baht and then distributing the money as instructed. The investigation was led by Col Sutthiwet Boonyaratglin, Col Thatchapong Wongphatthananivat, Col Thaweesak Thaboonchu, Col Watcharapong Sittirungroj, Lt Col Kittikhun Rakjang, Lt Col Atsanan Thanaloetphuwet and Lt Col Alongkot Thapchom. Victim told assets needed checking According to police, the victim in Phitsanulok was contacted through LINE accounts operated by people claiming to be bank employees and officers from the special investigation police unit at Nan Provincial Police Station. The callers allegedly told the victim they were connected to a money-laundering case and demanded that all assets be handed over for examination. The victim was persuaded to cash Government Savings Bank savings certificates and cooperative shares. Cash was then collected from the victim's home on five occasions, totalling 15,510,000 baht. The group also allegedly obtained another 171,919 baht through bank transfers described as document and travel costs, bringing the reported total loss to 15,681,919 baht. Condo search yields 22 items Investigators later searched a condominium in Bangkok's Ratchada-Huai Khwang area, which police said was being used as a hideout and operational base. They seized 22 items, including 14 mobile phones, a MacBook computer, ATM cards and bank passbooks. The two suspects face allegations of jointly defrauding the public with dishonest intent and importing false information into a computer system. They were handed to investigators at Muang Phitsanulok Police Station, while police continue to pursue the remaining suspect. For foreigners living in or visiting Thailand, the case is a reminder that genuine police and banks do not demand that customers hand over cash or transfer funds for supposed asset checks. Anyone receiving such a call or LINE message should independently contact their bank or the police through official channels before taking any action. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? 19 July 2026
View full article
Create an account or sign in to comment