Dr. Boon Wanasin, an influential figure in Thailand’s medical industry and founder of Thonburi Hospital, is facing charges of leading a major fraud involving medical investment projects. On Friday, the Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Dr. Boon and eight other individuals connected to the scam. These include his wife, daughter, personal assistant, and several financial associates.
The scam allegedly took place from December 2023 to October 2024, during which time 527 people reported being defrauded after investing in five medical-related projects promoted by Dr. Boon. These investments, which were advertised online in February 2023, promised high returns and were reportedly backed by Boon’s reputation and experience in the healthcare sector.
Investors were promised repayment of their principal and interest via cheques, but when they attempted to cash these cheques, they were unable to do so. The suspects, including Boon’s family members and financial operatives, are accused of raising funds through fraudulent lending contracts.
Dr. Boon, 86, is believed to have fled Thailand for China in late September. The whereabouts of his wife, Jaruwan (79), and daughter, Nalin (51), are unknown. The remaining suspects, including brokers who processed the lending contracts, have already been arrested. The damage caused by the scam is estimated to exceed 8 billion baht (approximately 220 million USD), according to media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul.
