NONG BUA LAM PHU, THAILAND — A couple accused of impersonating police officers and scamming more than 2,000 business owners across southern Thailand has been arrested. The suspects, identified as Suchart, 41, and Supatra, 24, were taken into custody by immigration police under a warrant issued by the Samui Provincial Court on May 29.
The pair, who were frequently changing their identities, allegedly posed as officers from various Thai law enforcement agencies — including tourist police, regional police, and immigration — to solicit money from Thai and foreign business operators, particularly in Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao.
According to authorities, the couple used phones to contact businesses and falsely claimed to be collecting funds for official government events or personal loans, often using fake names such as Inspector Wat or Inspector Sak. Some victims were threatened with legal action if they refused to comply.
Their tactics reportedly included requests for money to cover food, travel, and event expenses, deceiving businesses into believing they were assisting real officers. Over the last ten years, the scams have duped countless entrepreneurs into transferring funds under the false belief that they were supporting legitimate state functions.
Supatra, who was heavily pregnant at the time of the arrest, and Suchart were brought to Ko Pha Ngan for questioning, where over 20 local victims have already provided testimony to investigators.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Natthakorn emphasized that no Thai law enforcement agency authorizes officers to solicit funds from the public or businesses. He urged anyone receiving suspicious calls to verify the caller’s identity through official departmental contacts or by calling 191.
Suchart, a repeat offender, has a record of similar scams and was previously arrested in 2018 by both Pattaya tourist police and Phuket provincial police. Despite serving time, he allegedly resumed fraudulent activities following his release.
Following interviews on Ko Pha Ngan, the couple was transferred by boat to Samui Provincial Court for further legal proceedings. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the scam and are encouraging additional victims to come forward.
