Phuket —
Chalong Police have dismantled a criminal network that posed as law enforcement officers to extort money from unsuspecting victims, leading to the arrest of three suspects across multiple provinces.
Investigators at Chalong Police Station told the Phuket Express that they received complaints from three business operators who reported being contacted by a man claiming to be a police officer. Using a Thai phone number, the caller demanded money transfers for alleged fines under the guise of official police business. Victims were tricked into sending funds to a TMBThanachart Bank account registered under the name Mr. Pongpat (alias).
Police later confirmed that the account holder was not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. Instead, he was part of a fraud scheme designed to exploit fear and authority.
On December 23rd, 2025, officers executed arrest warrants issued by the Phuket Provincial Court against Mr. Pongpat for three counts of fraud by impersonation. He was apprehended on Koh Samui in Surat Thani Province. Evidence seized included his bank book, which had been used to funnel illicit transfers.
Further investigation revealed that Pongpat had met Mr. Suchart (alias), also known as “Baw,” while serving time in Samui Prison earlier in 2025. After their release in September, Suchart contacted Pongpat and directed him to use his bank account to receive fraudulent transfers. Once funds arrived, Pongpat was instructed to forward them to a second account belonging to Ms. Supatra (alias) at the Government Savings Bank.
Between September and November 2025, the group carried out approximately 80 transactions, causing losses estimated at 900,000 baht. Pongpat admitted to receiving small commissions ranging from 100 to 2,000 baht per transfer.
With mounting evidence, police secured additional warrants for Supatra and Suchart, charging them with joint fraud by impersonation. On January 18th, 2026, both suspects were tracked down in Nong Bua Lamphu Province and arrested under the same charges. They were transferred to Phuket for prosecution.
All three suspects now face multiple counts of fraud and impersonation. Authorities explained that impersonating police officers is a serious offense that undermines public trust and carries severe penalties under Thai law.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant against scams involving callers who claim to be government officials. Citizens are advised to verify any such requests directly with local police stations and never transfer money under pressure.
