Thai authorities have arrested Wiyada, a 41-year-old businesswoman, for renting out electronic data capture (EDC) machines to a Chinese criminal gang. The gang used the machines to steal credit card information from a luxury spa in Thonglor, leading to fraudulent transactions totaling nearly one million baht.
The arrest took place on 22 February after an arrest warrant was issued by the South Bangkok Criminal Court on 19 February. Wiyada was apprehended outside her home in Kantharawichai district, Maha Sarakham province, after being tracked down by police. She faces charges of “jointly committing theft at night” and “unlawfully using another person’s electronic card.”
The incident began in January when a victim reported to Thonglor police that their credit card was stolen from a locker at a high-end onsen spa. The card was later used to make multiple transactions totaling over 900,000 baht. Investigators found that the stolen card was not used for retail purchases, but instead was swiped through EDC machines rented by Wiyada to the gang. The money was transferred to a bank account and then withdrawn.
After gathering sufficient evidence, authorities issued arrest warrants for the individuals involved. They traced Wiyada to Maha Sarakham, where she was detained. During questioning, she admitted to renting out the EDC machines to the gang, coordinated by the girlfriend of one of the gang members. Wiyada received a 15% commission, approximately 130,000 baht, from the fraudulent transactions, while the remaining funds were sent to the gang’s accounts. Despite her involvement, she denied any role in the theft itself or the fraudulent activities.
Wiyada has now been handed over to Thonglor police for further legal proceedings.
