Thai social media influencer Mr. Thanawan, known for his large following, has been detained under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court on public fraud charges. He was taken to the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) headquarters in Bangkok for questioning.
The charges stem from complaints by about 50 individuals who claimed to have collectively lost 100 million baht. The complainants alleged that Thanawan, a feng shui consultant, encouraged them to buy “auspicious objects” priced in the millions to rid themselves of bad luck. Many reported they never received the items they had ordered.
Among the complainants was a 77-year-old woman who stated she alone lost 60 million baht. The commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, revealed on Monday that the number of complaints has since increased to 67, bringing total alleged losses to 108 million baht.
Lt Gen Jirabhop explained that some victims placed orders as early as 2020 but never received the promised items. Repeated delays prompted the CIB to seek an arrest warrant for Thanawan. In addition to public fraud, Thanawan faces money laundering charges, with authorities alleging he spent client funds on personal luxuries, including gambling.
Police recently impounded two luxury vehicles owned by Thanawan, including a Lamborghini leased for one million baht per month. The vehicle was allegedly used to elevate his public image.
Thanawan’s arrest took place in Pathum Thani when he returned home early Monday morning, following reports he had been staying near the border. The suspect denied all charges, according to Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop.
Thanawan’s sister, Napasawan Jiracharoenwes, also known as “Madam Feng Shui,” arrived at the CSD on Monday. She told investigators she had no involvement in her brother’s business activities and that their companies operated independently.
The case continues as authorities work to recover assets connected to the alleged fraud, signaling a strong response to financial crime within Thailand.
